Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris Recycling

Fixing up or removing blighted structures is often part of economic development plans of Iowa communities. Many resources and options are available for handling construction and demolition (C&D) debris.

In addition to designing buildings to generate less waste, efforts are underway in Iowa to reuse building materials through skillful building deconstruction and salvaging practices. C&D debris recycling projects are currently targeted projects for funding for the DNR's Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP).

C&D Facts

• C&D debris is responsible for 16 percent or 450,000 tons of material landfilled in Iowa each year.
• C&D debris consists of materials such as wood, insulation, concrete, asphalt, brick, drywall, metal and shingles.

Iowa Resources

Through its networking with Iowa communities, businesses and organizations, the DNR has developed a clearinghouse of construction and demolition debris recycling information across Iowa.

• Iowa C&D Debris Recycling Businesses
• Iowa Demolition Site Waste Task Force Report
  • Executive Summary
  • Final Report
• Demolition Debris Management Workshop Presentations
  • Air concerns from burning demolition debris
  • Asbestos regulations
  • Model ordinance for demolition recycling
• Examples of Model Ordinances
  • Relocation
  • Deconstruction
  • Demolition Salvage
  • Demolition Recycling
  • Construction Waste Management
• Historical considerations prior to building demolition

National Resources

• Asphalt Shingle Recycling
• Construction Materials Recycling Association
• Deconstruction Institute
• California Drywall Recycling
• Institute for Local Self Reliance
• Powell Center for Construction and Environment - University of Florida
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - C&D waste characterization, lead, asbestos information
• Building Materials Reuse Association