Recycling and Reuse Information

Reducing Construction and Demolition Debris

Construction and demolition (C&D) debris is waste generated from construction, remodeling, and demolition projects. C&D debris often consists of bulky materials, such as bricks, concrete, wood, asphalt, (from shingles and roads), glass, metal, plastic, plumbing fixtures and gypsum (the main material of drywall) and roofing. Waste from land-clearing activities is also a type of construction and demolition debris.

Not surprisingly, C&D debris represents a significant amount of the total solid waste produced in Thurston County. About 23%  of the garbage brought to the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center at Hawks Prairie is construction and demolition debris.

Whether you're a commercial builder or simply remodeling your own home, "building green" and recycling used building materials can make a big difference for your budget and the environment.

Job Recycling is as Easy as 1-2-3!

1. Identify recyclables. Plan ahead! Identify what can be recycled from your site. Click the image to the right to see a brochure that explains alternatives to costly landfilling.
2. If you plan to self-haul materials, be sure to contact the facility ahead of time. Describe your materials carefully. Ask about hours, fees and special instructions. If you decide to use a hauling service, describe your materials, specify they are to be recycled and get any special instructions. To verify proper handling, ask where the materials will be taken and require a copy of the receipt from the location.
3. Comingled construction and demolition waste can be recycled at some locations. Charges for separated materials are generally lower. Communicate with your workers and subcontractors and mark bins or collection areas clearly. Keep recyclables free of garbage or they may not be accepted at the recycling facility or may be charged at a higher rate.

Recycling Dumpster and Hauling Options

The following companies will provide containers for recycling and haul the containers to recycling site(s). Specify that you want the materials to be recycled and ask where the destination is. Describe exactly what materials you will have. Certain restrictions, requirements, and/or permits may be required for recycling.

• Benchmark Recycling: 253-565-1565
• LeMay Contractor Hotline: 360-280-7305
• NCM/RENU: 1-877-444-7368

Reuse Options

Reusing materials is even more cost effective and environmentally beneficial than recycling. Use reclaimed materials in your project. Donate, give away or sell materials you don’t need.

• www.2good2toss.com
• www.seattle.craigslist.org
• www.lhwmp.org/home/IMEX/index.aspx
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore: 415 Olympia Ave. N.E., Olympia 360-753-1575 or www.spshabitat.org/restore. Shop for or donate building materials. Proceeds help South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity build homes for Thurston County’s most in need families. Receive a tax-deductible receipt for your donated items.

Self-Haul Recycling Locations

Visit our "Where Do I Take My? ...." database for a list of where to take construction and demolition debris.  Be sure to call before taking any materials to the facilities, and describe exactly what you have. Certain restrictions or requirements may apply and some items require specific permits from various agencies. There is a charge to recycle certain commodities, but the cost is usually lower than trash disposal rates. You may even receive payment for certain items.

Contact Us

Call Brian Stafki at (360) 709-3053 or e-mail stafkib@co.thurston.wa.us.