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).

For more information on construction and demolition debris management, visit these resources.

Iowa Resources

• Iowa C&D Debris Information
• Iowa C&D Debris Recycling Businesses (*.pdf)
• Iowa Demolition Site Waste Task Force Report
  • Executive Summary
  • Final Report
• Solid Waste Alternatives Program

National Resources

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

DNR Contact
Chad Stobbe
(515)242-5851
Chad.Stobbe@dnr.iowa.gov

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.