Recycling  
The international recycling symbol.
A recycling bin at a park in northern California.Recycling involves processing used materials into new products in order to prevent the waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air (from incineration) and water (from landfilling) pollution by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production.[1][2] Recycling is a key component of modern waste management and is the third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" waste hierarchy.

Recyclable materials include glass, paper, metal, textiles, electronics (cell phones, computers) and plastics. Though similar, the composting of biodegradable waste – such as food or garden waste – is not typically considered recycling.[2] These materials are either brought to a collection centre or picked-up from the curbside; and sorted, cleaned and reprocessed into new products bound for manufacturing.

However, critics of recycling claim that it often wastes more resources than it saves, especially in cases where it is mandated by government.

Background
In the United States, recycling facilities earn estimated revenues of $2,981 million a year. Growth has exceeded 7% per year for the past five years (from 2003 to 2008) due to rising waste volumes and increasing recyclable commodity prices. New initiatives can change the industry. For example, in California and New York, moves to raise the requirements for the set amount of waste to be diverted from the waste stream from 50 percent to 75 percent can produce healthy profits for companies that collect and process recyclables.[3]


Cost-benefit analysis
Environmental effects of recycling[4] Material Energy Savings Air Pollution Savings
Aluminum 95%[2][5] 95%[2][6]
Cardboard 24% —
Glass 5-30% 20%
Paper 40%[5] 73%
Plastics 70%[5] —
Steel 60%[7] —
There is some debate over whether recycling is economically efficient. Municipalities often see fiscal benefits from implementing recycling programs, largely due to the reduced landfill costs.[8] A study conducted by the Technical University of Denmark found that in 83% of cases, recycling is the most efficient method to dispose of household waste.[7][5] In addition to fiscal benefits, justification for recycling lie in what economists call externalities, unpriced costs and benefits which accrue to individuals outside of private transactions. Examples include: increased air pollution and greenhouse gases from incineration, reduced hazardous waste leaching from landfills, reduced energy consumption, and reduced waste and resource consumption, which leads to a reduction in environmentally damaging mining and timber activity. Without mechanisms such as taxes or subsidies to internalize externalities, businesses will ignore them despite the costs imposed on society. In order to make such non-fiscal benefits economically relevant, advocates have pushed for legislative action to increase the demand for recycled materials.[2] The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded in favour of recycling, saying that recycling efforts reduced the country's carbon emissions by a net 49 million metric tonnes in 2005.[7] In the United Kingdom, the Waste and Resources Action Programme stated that Great Britain's recycling efforts reduce CO2 emissions by 10-15 million tonnes a year.[7] Recycling is more efficient in densely populated areas, as there are economies of scale involved.[2]

Certain requirements must be met in order for recycling to be economically feasible and environmentally effective. These include an adequate source of recyclates, a system to extract those recyclates from the waste stream, a nearby factory capable of reprocessing the recyclates, and a potential demand for the recycled products. These last two requirements are often overlooked—without both an industrial market for production using the collected materials and a consumer market for the manufactured goods, recycling is incomplete and in fact only "collection".[2]

Trade in recyclates

Computers being collected for recycling at a pickup event in Olympia, Washington, United States.Certain countries trade in unprocessed recyclates. Some have complained that the ultimate fate of recyclates sold to another country is unknown and they may end up in landfill instead of reprocessed. According to one report, in America, 50-80% of computers destined for recycling are actually not recycled.[9] However, Pieter van Beukering, an economist specialising in waste imports of China and India, believes that it is unlikely that bought materials would merely be dumped in landfill: he also claims that the import of recyclates allows for large-scale reprocessing, improving both the fiscal and environmental return through economies of scale.[7] There are reports of illegal-waste imports to China being dismantled and recycled solely for monetary gain, without consideration for workers' health or environmental damage. Though the Chinese government has banned these practices, it has not been able to eradicate them completely, nor estimate the amount of illegal recycling still occurring.[7]

Certain regions have difficulty using or exporting as much of a material as they recycle. This problem is most prevalent with glass: both Britain and the US import large quantities of wine bottled in green glass. Though much of this glass is sent to be recycled, outside the American Midwest there is not enough wine production to use all of the reprocessed material. The extra must be downcycled into building materials or re-inserted into the regular waste stream.[7][2]

Similarly, the northwestern United States has difficultly finding markets for recycled newspaper, given the large number of pulp mills in the region as well as the proximity to Asian markets. In other areas of the US, however, demand for used newsprint has seen wide fluctuation.[2]

In some US states, a program called RecycleBank pays people with coupons to recycle, receiving money from local municipalities for the reduction in landfill space which must be purchased. It uses a single stream process in which all material is automatically sorted.[10]



Aggregates and concrete
Main article: Concrete recycling
Concrete aggregate collected from demolition sites is put through a crushing machine, often along with asphalt, bricks, dirt, and rocks. Smaller pieces of concrete are used as gravel for new construction projects. Crushed recycled concrete can also be used as the dry aggregate for brand new concrete if it is free of contaminants. This reduces the need for other rocks to be dug up, which in turn saves trees and habitats.[13]

 Construction and Demolition Debris (C&D) 
Information presented in this publication is intended to provide a general understanding of the statutory and regulatory requirements governing construction and demolition debris. This information is not intended to replace, limit or expand upon the complete statutory and regulatory requirements

What is construction and demolition debris?
Construction and demolition (C&D) debris is nonhazardous, uncontaminated material resulting from construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition of utilities, structures, and roads. These materials include the following:

Bricks, concrete, and other masonry materials
Soil
Rock
Wood, including nonhazardous painted, treated, and coated wood and wood products
Wall coverings
Plaster
Drywall
Plumbing fixtures
Non-asbestos insulation
Roofing shingles and other roof coverings
Reclaimed asphalt pavement
Glass
Plastics that do not conceal waste
Electrical wiring and components that do not contain hazardous substances
Piping
Metal materials incidental to any of the materials above

Why is C&D debris a problem?
Landfills are filling up with C&D and other wastes, and some landfills will close in the near future; therefore, it is wise to find other alternatives other than landfilling C&D debris. In addition, illegal dumping of C&D debris can result in future health risks, decreased property values, and cleanup costs. Proper management and reduction of the amount of C&D waste you generate can save money, conserve resources, and preserve the environment.

How do I manage Asbestos?
Asbestos waste must be disposed of in an approved landfill. For more information see the "How Do I Manage Asbestos" fact sheets and contact the Office of Small Business for additional information on proper asbestos disposal procedures.

How can I manage C&D debris?
The diagram below presents options for managing C&D debris. When making a decision on how to manage your C&D debris, the first option to consider is reduction and the last option to consider is landfilling. Each of these options is discussed below.

How do I reduce the amount of C&D debris I generate?
Although it can be difficult, you can reduce the amount of C&D debris you generate by carefully estimating the amount of raw materials needed for construction activities at your site and making sure that the correct amount of materials are brought to the site. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) "Construction and Demolition Site Recycling Guidebook" (Guidebook) and "Construction and Demolition Site Recycling Directory" (Directory) provide guidance on and resources for C&D debris reduction, reuse, and recycling.

How do I reuse my C&D debris?
Clean C&D debris includes the following uncontaminated materials:

Broken concrete without protruding metal bars
Bricks
Rock
Stone
Reclaimed asphalt pavement;
Dirt or sand generated from construction or demolition activities
Clean C&D debris can be used as below-grade fill material outside of a setback zone if (1) covered by sufficient uncontaminated soil to support vegetation within 30 days after completion of filling or (2) covered by a road or structure. Also, broken concrete without protruding metal bars can be used for erosion control. In addition, demolition materials such as doors, bricks, appliances, and fixtures can be reused.

Certain construction or demolition materials can be separated and salvaged prior to disposal. These materials can be reused on another project or made available to others for reuse. This must be done in a reasonable amount of time before the material is considered abandoned and the activity is considered disposal.

 How do I recycle my C&D debris?
Recycling C&D debris can save you money and reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills. You can recycle wood, aluminum and other metals, asphalt, concrete, and corrugated cardboard. Three recycling methods available to demolition contractors include the following:

Mixed material collection - Recyclable materials are transported from the job site, sorted at a designated facility, and sent to processors for recycling.
Source separation - Similar materials are separated from other wastes at the job site by category (such as wood, metal, and concrete) and sent to processors for recycling.
On-site processing - Recyclable materials are processed on site and made ready for reuse.
With few exceptions, off-site processing facilities must have a permit from the Illinois EPA.

How do I landfill my C&D debris?
C&D debris can be transported to a permitted facility by any hauler. The hauler is not required to have a special waste haulers permit. You should first call the disposal facility to determine if it accepts C&D debris.

If you have lead-based paint that was removed from non-household waste (for example, paint that was removed from the substrate), the paint waste must be tested by a laboratory using the toxicity characteristic leachate procedure (TCLP) before landfilling. Currently this waste must be managed as a special waste. For more information on special wastes see the Office of Small Business fact sheet "Do I Have a Special Waste." However, management standards for lead-based paint C&D debris may change in the near future with regard to requirements for lead-testing procedures and disposal methods. Call the Office of Small Business for additional information on lead-based paint waste disposal procedures

Tips on C&D Recycling/Recovery:

Your choice of recovery methods will depend on many factors. These include the quantity and type of C&D debris, availability of space for on-site recovery, existence of waste haulers and/or end users for off-site recovery, and program costs. C&D debris recovery methods include reducing waste at the source, reuse of scrap materials, recycling materials, and use of recycled content construction materials.


1. Reduce Waste at the Source

A business can save money by reducing the amount of waste it creates. Source reduction decreases disposal costs, lowers labor costs due to a reduction in handling and cutting materials, and reduces expenditures for materials because less is wasted. For tips on how to get an effective C&D waste reduction program in place, download Building Savings: Strategies for Waste Reduction of Construction and Demolition Debris from Buildings, www.getf.org/file/toolmanager/O16F8895.pdf. This 20-page document published by the U.S. EPA, details projects that recovered rates of 42% to 82% of their waste. The paper also includes resources for further research.

Ways to reduce waste:

a. Design: Ask your architect for building designs that use standard material sizes.

b. Plan: Plan ahead so that fewer supply runs need be made to local suppliers.

c. Reduce Packaging: Ask suppliers to remove packaging before shipping materials to your site, wrap materials in reusable blankets or padding, or take back the packaging after the materials have been delivered.

d. Include Waste Disposal Costs in Bids: Require subcontractors to include the cost of removing their waste in their bids to give them an incentive to produce less waste.

e. Deconstruction describes the process of selective dismantling or removal of materials from buildings before or instead of demolition. Reuse and recycling examples include electrical and plumbing fixtures that are reused; steel, copper, and lumber that are reused or recycled; wood flooring that is remilled; and doors and windows that are refinished for use in new construction.

2. Reuse Scrap Materials On-Site

Consider reusing materials on site to reduce your disposal efforts and costs.

Many building materials may be reusable during renovation projects and projects where a new building is built following the demolition of another. Planners can increase reuse potential by making efforts to use the same size and types of materials as in the old construction. Inadequate storage space for materials during the interim from removal to reinstallation may limit reuse as a materials recovery option. Typical materials suitable for reuse include plumbing fixtures, doors, cabinets, windows, carpeting, bricks, light fixtures, ceiling and floor tiles, wood, HVAC equipment, and decorative items (including fireplaces and stonework).

A Builder's Guide to Reuse and Recycling: A Directory for Construction and Demolition Materials, published by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority, located at www.stopwaste.org/remodeler.pdf contains useful information on reusing building materials during the construction of a structure

Basic reuse tips:

a. Leftover masonry material can be crushed on site and used for fill or as bedding material for driveways.

b. Joist off-cuts can be cut up and used as stakes for forming or for headers around openings in the floor assembly.

c. Leftover rigid insulation can be used as ventilation baffles in attics or installed into house envelopes at joist header assemblies.

d. Pallets can be reused or returned to vendors.

e. Salvageable materials can be given to businesses that collect and resell used construction materials.

3. Donate or Sell Reusable Materials
Many materials can be salvaged from demolition and renovation sites and sold or donated. By selling or donating unwanted reusable materials, contractors can avoid disposal costs. Options for donating or selling reusable material is listed in the C&D Reuse Services Listing below:

4. Recycle Materials
Many construction and demolition wastes can be recycled into new materials. Keep in mind that local recycling options vary across Massachusetts. You can obtain information about recycling opportunities in your project area from municipal solid waste managers, regional offices of state solid waste management agencies, and waste haulers. Many of the items listed below can be recycled with service providers found in the Recycling Services Directory and Markets Guide for Massachusetts located at: www.wastecap.org/wastecap/rsd/rsdindex.htm

a. Scrap lumber or wood can be processed and used for landscaping, compost, animal bedding, boiler fuel, or engineered building products.

b. Metals such as aluminum, copper, steel, and brass can be sold to scrap metal yards. These are some of the easiest and most cost effective materials to recycle.

c. Cardboard can be kept separate in cardboard-only dumpsters at the job site and picked up by a local recycling firm.

d. Gypsum drywall can be collected for use as a soil amendment or a substitute for lime on lawns.

e. Rubble (concrete, bricks, cinder block, and certain types of tile) can be crushed and sieved for use as an aggregate. For example, it can substitute for stone aggregate in nonconstruction application.

f. Glass can be recycled into fiberglass or used in place of sand in paving material.

g. Asphalt shingles can be used in asphalt paving and pothole repair.

h. Other scrap, such as plastic, fiberglass, and foam or other packaging materials can be recycled. However, it may not be cost effective to recycle small amounts unless local markets exist. Check with the local or state solid waste manager for information on recycling markets.

5. Buy Recycled-Content Construction Materials
To help expand markets for recyclable materials, it is important to buy building supplies that contain recycled materials. Some of these materials have been used for years by the construction industry, but they have not been advertised as “recycled.” There are also many new recycled-content building materials of which you may not be aware. 

6. Concerns About Material Covered With Lead Based Paint
Residential contractors frequently work on residential dwellings like single family homes, apartment buildings, row houses, military barracks, or college dormitories. They routinely generate LBP waste during lead abatement, remodeling, or rehabilitation work on these residences. The waste consists mostly of building parts, such as doors, window frames, painted woodwork, and paint chips  .

Recycling Facts Did you know California was the leading generator of waste, at 45 million tons in 1998? Every year Americans are producing more waste per capita, as recycling efforts struggle to offset the impact of population growth at more than 2 million persons annually.