I would like to start recycling the construction, renovation, or demolition materials produced at my job site. How do I start?

Reduction First. The first thing to remember is to start by reducing the amount of construction and demolition (C&D) materials generated at your job site. This can be done by:

• Reusing whole or parts of existing structures that might be otherwise demolished
• Optimizing purchasing to reduce the amount of excess materials that are brought to a construction site
• Returning unused materials to suppliers or manufacturers
• Working with building designers and architects to create buildings that require fewer cut-offs and material customization

Click here for a brochure that discusses on-site reduction.

Reuse and Recycling. The easiest way to start reusing and recycling is to find a C&D materials reuse or recycling facility in your area (see below). These include metal recyclers, asphalt pavement recyclers, concrete recyclers, land clearing debris recyclers, mixed C&D materials recyclers, and building material reuse stores.

FINDING A C&D MATERIALS REUSE OR RECYCLING FACILITY

• Whole Building Design Guide's Construction Waste Management Database
  The Construction Waste Management Database contains information on companies that haul, collect, and process recyclable debris from construction projects. Created in 2002 by the U.S. General Services Administration's Environmental Strategies and Safety Division to promote responsible waste disposal, the database is a free online service for those seeking companies that recycled construction debris in their area. The database is searchable by state, zip code, or materials recycled.
• Building Materials Reuse Association (BMRA)
  Contains a searchable directory of members, including many deconstruction contractors, reuse stores, and online materials exchange websites. The BMRA is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to facilitate building deconstruction and the reuse/recycling of recovered building materials.
• Construction Industry Compliance Assistance (CICA) Center
  Contains a C&D materials State Resource Locator, where contractors can find state and municipal recycling programs. Many state and local environmental agencies have lists of facilities that reuse or recycle C&D materials. Most EPA regional offices link to C&D resources that these agencies provide.
• Construction Materials Recycling Association (CMRA)
  The CMRA's website, under the Find a Recycler section, provides a list of member C&D materials recyclers. CMRA is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the recycling of construction and demolition materials.
• Habitat for Humanity Re-Stores
  Habitat ReStores are retail outlets where quality used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices. Proceeds from ReStores help local affiliates fund the construction of Habitat houses within the community. Many affiliates across the United States and Canada operate successful ReStores?some of which raise enough funds to build an additional 10 or more houses per year. Materials sold by Habitat ReStores are usually donated from building supply stores, contractors, demolition crews or from individuals who wish to show their support for Habitat. In addition to raising funds, ReStores help the environment by rechanneling good, usable materials into use.
• National Demolition Association (NDA)
  The NDA's website, under "Find A Product," lists buyers of various C&D materials. The NDA is a non-profit trade organization representing more than 1,000 U.S. and Canadian companies which offer standard demolition services, as well as a full range of demolition-related services and products. Its educational efforts help members stay abreast of regulatory and safety matters and keep regulators informed about issues facing their industry. In addition the NDA is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the industry, as well as providing members with information on the latest technical advances in equipment and services.
• Southeast Waste Information eXchange (SWIX)
  There are many online materials exchange websites, nationally and regionally. Besides being one, the Southeast Waste Information eXchange (SWIX) lists many others. (Click on "Other Exchanges.") You can find salvaged or surplus building materials on these websites. The Southern Waste Information eXchange, Inc. (SWIX), is a non-profit clearinghouse and repository for industry concerning information on market development, recycled products, solid and hazardous waste management, current regulations/legislation, alternative and emerging waste management technologies, Trade journals and associations, technical reports, the availability of and demand for waste materials; and waste management services and products.

• Steel Recycling Institute (SRI)
  SRI can help find locations for recycling steel. The Steel Recycling Institute (SRI) is an industry association that promotes and sustains the recycling of all steel products. The SRI educates the solid waste industry, government, business and ultimately the consumer about the benefits of steel's infinite recycling cycle. For more information on the Steel Recycling Institute, call 1-800-YES-1-CAN (937-1226).
• Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE)
  Find carpet recycling locations. CARE is a joint industry-government effort to increase the amount of recycling and reuse of post-consumer carpet and reduce the amount of waste carpet going to landfills.