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.

Thurston County is seeking volunteers to serve on a stakeholders group charged with helping to develop programs to increase the recycling and reuse of building materials. Click here for a PDF of the project description.