Good for the Environment and Bottom Line

Jobsite Recycling May Save More Than You Think

Reusing construction debris preserves a wide variety of natural resources. And it can also save builders up to $50 for every ton of recyclable material not taken to a landfill. Even so, changing public attitudes and behavior about recycling is a constant battle.

By Michelle P. Leonard

Recycling materials at jobsites makes sense and cents.

As Southern California's building community continues to embrace environmentally responsible construction methods and practices, the recycling and reuse of materials at construction and demolition sites has steadily grown in popularity for several good reasons.

The primary benefits of recycling and reusing materials are resource conservation and economic viability. In addition, debris recycling is being encouraged and/or required by a growing number of regulatory groups, from California's Integrated Waste Management Board to city and county ordinances to local building specifications.

And, as far as hauling away debris from jobsites, cost savings can approach $50 for every ton of recyclable material not taken to a landfill.

Debris is a diverse commodity. Construction and demolition debris comprises a large portion of the waste stream. Debris can encompass inert materials (such as asphalt, brick, concrete, glass, metals and dirt), organic materials (such as dimensional lumber, roofing material, ceiling tiles, insulation and cardboard) and composites (such as carpeting, gypsum wallboard and fixtures).

Residential construction generates an average of 4.4 lbs. of debris per sq. ft., while non-residential accumulates an average of 3.9 lbs. per sq. ft.

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Progress in this arena is even being made on the federal level. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as part of its WasteWise Program, is encouraging builders to rehabilitate structures where possible; utilize deconstruction instead of demolition; return unused construction materials; and salvage debris for sale and reuse. In addition, some federal funding is available for research and development of innovative approaches that address environmental challenges in the construction industry.

The EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response funds innovative pilot projects that demonstrate creative approaches to waste minimization, energy recovery, and recycling through the OSWER Innovations Initiative. This program encourages collaboration and partnership between EPA regional and headquarter program offices with such co-regulators as federal, state, interstate, intrastate and external stakeholders, including public agencies, nonprofit private organizations, academia and federally recognized tribes.

With increasingly limited space availability in landfills, the popularity of recycling and reuse programs at jobsites is growing out of necessity. This is illustrated in the adoption of ordinances requiring recycling, as well as more widespread attention on the importance of implementing programs, both at federal and local levels. Such programs, combined with the savings in landfill and waste transportation costs, and the potential revenue from the sale of recyclable materials, make converting to a recycling program a cost benefit in many ways.

In general, three major methods are used for reuse and recycling:

Deconstruction

This involves salvaging building contents and components and finding viable markets and outlets for materials. This method is generally contingent upon the availability of labor for the deconstruction process.

Onsite source separation

This method requires site workers to place each type of recyclable (i.e., metals, wood, cardboard) into a separate container. One benefit of this method is the increased potential for revenue from the sale of recyclables to a local recycled materials manufacturer. Another benefit is the reduced risk of contamination of materials. On the down side, source separation is time consuming, inconvenient, receives a lower rate of public participation, and is prone to frequent mistakes. This method also may involve additional costs to purchase multiple containers, additional labor costs and add to space constraints.

Mixed waste processing facilities

With this method, debris is sent to a separate facility to be processed. While this can lower material value, it also reduces labor requirements.

Determining which method is most feasible for a particular site depends on the scope and nature of a project, its location, and available resources and labor. Consulting with a qualified environmental professional may prove helpful in determining which method will work best.

Case studies

C&D reuse is being incorporated into both private and public sector projects. One recent private sector project was the deconstruction in the spring of 2003 of the Pacific Regency Theatre in Lakewood. The 2,200-seat theater was deconstructed to make way for a new Kohl's Department Store.

Long Beach-based SCS Engineers prepared a comprehensive deconstruction analysis and materials management plan for the theater in support of Lakewood's overall solid waste program. SCS Engineers also served as the main liaison between engineers, contractors, subcontractors and architects for the deconstruction analysis and materials management plan.

Of the 14,000 tons of waste generated from deconstruction of the theater, 97 percent was successfully salvaged for reuse. Among the items diverted were all 2,200 theater seats, 500 lbs. of drapes and 59 palm trees. The California Integrated Waste Management Board presented CLC Group of Murrieta, the general contractor for the five-week-long deconstruction project, with a city of Lakewood Recycler of the Year award for volunteering to divert the waste stream generated at the deconstruction site.

Another example is the recent deconstruction of a 220,000-sq.-ft. Montgomery Ward's store to make way for a new Target store at 500 Lakewood Center in Lakewood. Completed two years ago by the Irvine office of Whiting Turner Construction, the project was unique in that it was not precipitated by a local ordinance, giving developer Macerich Co. of Santa Monica less incentive to choose deconstruction over demolition. By the end of the deconstruction process, 144 tons of scrap metal were recycled, while 6,650 cubic yards of asphalt, concrete and brick were reused on site.

One example of a public sector reuse project was Claremont's recent Village Expansion Project that was completed in 2003. A 35-acre site between First, Second and Oberlin streets-occupied by both public and private properties- had been selected for redevelopment by the city into a mixed-use campus, and was awarded a grant under the EPA's C&D Reuse and Recycling Grant Program. A construction and demolition plan was prepared and implemented for the site, resulting in a 75-percent diversion rate for the debris collected prior to redevelopment.

Another public sector project involved the Hayward Reservoir operated by the city of Hayward. Implementation of a recycling plan resulted in 12 tons of concrete that were recycled, 28,000 board ft. of wood salvaged and 98 percent of all wood salvaged. And Hayward saved $12,000 using the recycling plan instead of simply having all waste taken to a landfill or otherwise disposed.

Public Mindset Is Changing

Ironically, the most common challenge in encouraging debris recycling and reuse is clarifying misconceptions about the allegedly high costs involved. What some may not realize is that the costs often are comparatively less than deconstruction and traditional waste disposal. Cost saving range between $25 and $45 for every ton of recyclable material not taken to a landfill. And as more and more cities require recycling and reuse on C&D sites, there is often an obligatory deposit to ensure the diversion goal is met. This deposit is refunded only after a complete recycling and reuse program is implemented, with documentation of completed diversion goals.

Another challenge is changing public attitudes and behavior about recycling. While people want to do their part to improve the environment, the proposal of a program at a large construction or demolition site tends to be met with some initial resistance, typically due to new requirements that the public may be unfamiliar with. Moving away from the traditional construction and demolition process requires a change in behavior that takes time.

Still, once certain myths are dispelled, builders and property owners in large part are open to incorporating C&D reuse plans. Experienced environmental consultants can guide builders and owners through the process and simplify it for them, as well as develop cost-effective programs that are tailored to address the unique aspects of a particular project.

Michelle Leonard is a vice president and project director specializing in deconstruction/reuse projects for SCS Engineers.