Construction & Demolition (C&D) Recycling
This site is intended for builders, contractors, engineers, and others seeking information about:
- Oakland's C&D Recycling Requirements for Permit Applicants
- Download Forms Here, WRRP, CDSR etc
- How to reduce or eliminate jobsite waste (.pdf, 98 KB)
- Where to take materials for reuse or recycling (.pdf, 98 KB)
- Green Building and Sustainability (environmentally responsible building)
- C&D Recycling Rebate Program
- Oakland Sustainable Design Guide
The Challenge
Thousands of tons of "garbage" from Oakland are sent to landfill each year and nearly 25% of it is related to construction activities (76,000 tons, or 152 million pounds in 1999). Much of the Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris could have been reused or recycled while conserving limited natural resources and landfill space, and reducing pollution of land, air and water.
Overall Oakland has reduced disposal rates by more than 50% and met the requirements of AB 939 with several great programs. Oakland is working to be a leader in the field of waste reduction and the C&D Recycling Ordinance was adopted to reduce the C&D debris going to landfill. In 2003 City Council voted to support Alameda County Measure D and adopted a75% waste reduction by 2010.
In 2006 the City of Oakland went a step further and is working towards being a ZERO WASTE CITY by 2020.Where does the Building Community fit into this picture?
Architects, Builders, Engineers, Designers and Demolition Contractors are a part of the solution to reducing C&D debris waste and pollution. With careful consideration projects can be designed and executed to generate less waste and contracts can be written to encourage high levels of recycling. With good planning and staging much of the debris typically discarded from construction or demolition can be readily recycled (and have a positive effect on your bottom line!).
If we pitch in and work together we can keep more than 50,000 tons annually out of landfills and prevent millions of pounds of CO2, a greenhouse gas, out of the atmosphere.
Example of Recycling Potential and Possible Savings
Here is a typical 2,000 square foot single-family home - see what is possible. Here is the breakdown of materials, the recycling rate, and fees (or cash) for scrap value compared to disposal.
|
Material |
Tons |
Recycling |
100% Disposal Cost | |
|
Cost |
Rate | |||
|
wood |
3.5 |
$98.00 |
80-100% |
$329.00 |
|
drywall |
0.73 |
$0.00 |
100% |
$68.62 |
|
concrete |
1.3 |
$13.65 |
100% |
$122.20 |
|
cardboard |
0.28 |
-$12.60 |
100% |
$26.32 |
|
scrap metals |
0.33 |
-$21.45 |
100% |
$31.02 |
|
mixed materials |
2 |
$90.00 |
60-85% |
$188.00 |
|
total |
8.14 |
$167.60 |
78-96% |
$765.16 |
Here we can see that RECYCLING saves money and keeps valuable natural resources out of the landfills. Recycling 78-96%, you might only have $167.60 in expenses. On the other hand, if all the scrap from this building were sent to a LANDFILL, you could expect to pay $765.16.
| Send it all to landfill: | |
$765.16 | |
| Recycle: | - | $167.60 | (help prevent pollution and global warming) |
| |
= | $597.56 potential savings | |
Building a new single-family dwelling, it's safe to bet that you know how to apply those savings, like upgrading tile, carpet, and other finishes. What about buying lunch for all the players who made that recycling rate happen?
Effective recycling doesn't take rocket science, though it takes planning and team effort. Keeping materials separated to maximize recycling rate is called Source Separation, separated at the source. Framing crews usually only have wood and tools in their hands. Cutting lumber and tossing the scrap into a pile of other wood scraps is practicing Source Separation. Going to this wood only pile for some blocking or other small piece increases efficient use of materials. Efficient use of materials keeps labor and material costs down. Source Separation might require a behavior change on the part of some of the crew. Others may already understand the value of reducing waste.
Remember to reinforce good behavior when you see it. On the next job the crew might reach an even better goal. (Coming Soon, Waste Elimination!)
Positive reinforcement works wonders.
For other examples of how builders are saving resources and money, go to Case Studies.Alameda County is rich in recycling centers. Many are in Oakland or very nearby. Take a look at The Builder's Guide To Reuse and Recycling (.pdf, 98 KB) to find places to recycle building materials or purchase new-to-you items. Some re-used materials are better than new items. Some of the more interesting ones will add character to your home or help you to keep a vintage home looking vintage.
Recycling and Green Building Assistance
Staff is available to assist applicants with planning waste elimination, reduction and recycling; to provide on-site logistics to maximize those plans and other related topics.
Open Office Hours are available in the GREEN BUILDING RESOURCE CENTER (GBRC):
- Mondays, 8:30 am to 10:30 am, and
- Thursdays, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
The GBRC is located at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd floor, next to the Planning and Zoning Counters. No appointment necessary.
For more information, call (510) 238-SAVE (7283).