Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling

August 2024. Are you considering a bathroom remodel, ADU, or other construction project? Do you know what happens with all the construction and demolition (C&D) waste debris after you place it in the construction dumpster? Last week we discussed roll-off bins and dumpsters for construction projects and this week we’ll explore what happens with all the debris - and what is required - once it’s hauled away. 

What is C&D debris?

C&D debris is uncontaminated, non-hazardous material generated from a residential or commercial project, such as:

• Concrete, asphalt, and masonry
• Wood materials
• Drywall
• Metal (aluminum, steel, iron, copper)
• Cardboard and mixed plastics
• Fixtures (doors, windows, toilets)
• Trees, stumps, rocks, vegetarian, and soil 

C&D debris accounts for as much as 30% of the waste that goes to landfills. Most of this material is recyclable and could be diverted from landfills to conserve natural resources and save valuable landfill space. 

Am I required to recycle C&D debris?

In compliance with the California Green Building Standards Code (CalGreen) and the City’s Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling Ordinance (No. 1639-NS), construction and/or demolition projects that meet the thresholds outlined below are required to divert a minimum of 65% of waste from landfill disposal through recycling or reuse.[1]

Residential

• All new construction of permitted structures
• All demolition of permitted structures
• Additions and alterations to residential buildings that require a permit and increase the structure’s conditioned area, volume, or size. 

Non-Residential

• All new construction of permitted structures
• All demolition of permitted structures
• Permitted additions or alterations of 1,000 square feet or more, and/or with a valuation of $200,000 or more (Tenant Improvements).

What happens to the C&D debris that is recycled?

C&D debris that is processed at an appropriate facility will be recycled or repurposed in a variety of ways, including: 

Material

Recycled or Repurposed

Asphalt Shingles

New shingles, fuel, road base, hot mix asphalt, temporary roads, and driveways

Concrete & Asphalt

Ready mix concrete and road base

Wood

Reclaimed wood furniture and landscaping mulch

Drywall/gypsum board

New drywall, soil amendment, and composting additive

Scrap Metal

Recycled into other metal products

For more information please visit the Construction, Demolition and Temporary Waste Services Page or email gogreen@toaks.org.

Which waste disposal facilities will take C&D debris?

While the City does not require contractors and waste haulers to dispose of C&D debris at specific facilities, the contractor or property owner is responsible for ensuring that the project meets the City’s 65% debris diversion requirement and should consider this when planning their project. Projects that generate mixed waste debris should dispose of the materials at a mixed C&D processing facility that will attain and verify at least 65% diversion. Some facilities only accept and process certain materials, such as concrete and asphalt. Some landfills don’t separate or divert C&D debris and will not meet the 65% diversion requirement. To assist with facility selection, check out the City of Thousand Oaks list of recognized C&D processing facilities or visit the City of LA Sanitation Department website for the Certified Processors List for Los Angeles. 

Where can I find additional resources?

Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling brochure

• More information on the City’s C&D Debris Recycling guidelines

California Department of Recycling & Recovery (CalRecycle)

• Overview of State regulations, tips about C&D recycling and reuse, and case studies.
• Habitat for Humanity
• New and gently used furniture, home goods, and building materials are accepted at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.