CDI Resources

Hazards at Sites
This information is from CalRecycle site safety plans which were reviewed by a certified industrial
hygienist and certified safety professional.

Physical Hazards
Physical Safety Hazards
There are numerous physical hazards associated with solid waste disposal sites which, if not identified
and addressed, could present operational problems as well as accidents and personal injury to the work
force. In order to minimize physical hazards, standard safety protocols have been developed and will be
followed at all times.

1. Sharps
Potential hazards from sharps include cuts and punctures from handling various materials such as
hypodermic needles, broken glass, razor blades, bottles of unknown/unlabeled substances, and
other sharp materials should be considered. Adequate hand and foot protection and tools should be
used to prevent injury. Hand protection should include gloves. Foot protection should include steel
toed and/or steel mid-sole impermeable boots.
2. Tripping, Slipping, and Falling Hazards
In order to minimize tripping hazards caused by debris, job supplies, and equipment, material should
be removed daily from the work areas and stockpiled in their respective storage areas.
3. Head Injuries
To protect the wearer's head from impact an penetration of falling objects, hard hats should be used
4. Back Injuries
Personnel should use proper lifting techniques whenever they lift heavy objects.
5. Traffic
All site personnel will wear visible protective clothing, make sure traffic can see you and, when
possible, remain a safe distance from traffic.
6. Lifting
Material handling is one of the most common causes of injury. Training for safe material handling
cannot be expected to solve the problem, but if it is properly applied and reinforced, training should
help to alleviate most problems. Contributing factors include:
Posture (seated and standing)

Improper lifting technique

Twisting with a load

Bending at the waist

Frequency of lifts
 Weight and size of objects

Performing the lift:

Face the object squarely. Get as close as you can.

Squat down, bending your knees and keeping your back straight.

Grip the object firmly, take a deep breath and tighten your stomach muscles.

With one smooth motion use your legs to bring yourself to a standing a position, keeping
your back straight.

For additional proper lifting techniques, contact your Health and Safety Program representative.

Equipment
All equipment must be in good working condition when in use at the site. Equipment that does not appear
to be in good repair or appears to be unsafe will not be put into service until all necessary repairs are
made.

Heat Stress
With the possible combination of ambient factors such as high air temperature, low air movement, high
radiant heat, and protective clothing, the potential for heat stress is a concern. All on-site personnel will be
made familiar with the symptoms of heat stress and the conditions during which they may occur. Heat
stress symptoms may include elevated heart rate, nausea, headache, lightheadedness, and lack of
coordination or decreased job performance or slurred speech.

Heat Stress Condition Causes and Symptoms

Heat rash Also known as prickly heat, skin remains wet, as sweat does
not evaporate.
Heat cramps Painful muscle spasms that are caused by lack of salt in the
body. Usually a result of sweating heavily and drinking large
amount of water without replacing the bodys salt loss.
Heat exhaustion Continues loss of fluids and salt from sweating can cause
hat exhaustion. Symptoms include heavy sweating, cool and
moist skin, and a weak pulse. Possible fainting, weakness,
dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, blurred vision and a normal or
slightly high body temperature. Advanced stages can cause
vomiting or loss of consciousness.
Heat stroke Most serious heat illnesswhen sweating no longer helps
the body regulate its internal temperature. Skin is hot, may
or may not be dry. Often red or spotted. Individual is slightly
confused & disoriented, delirium, convulsions, or even
unconsciousness may occur. Body temperature may be 105
degrees F or higher.

Employers should ensure employees have access to potable drinking water of one quart per employee
per hour for drinking for the entire shift.
Employers should provide those employees who are suffering from heat stress or who need a
preventative recovery period with accessible shade. Cooling measures can substitute for shade as long
as the employer proves that the measure is as effective as the shade. A vehicle used by staff can be the
shade as long as the vehicle has its air conditioner on. Emergency medical services should be called
when heat stress is suspected.

Noise Hazards
Employees may not be exposed to noise greater than the levels established by Cal/OSHA (90 decibels
threshold weighted average for an 8 hour day). If levels are higher than this, engineering, administrative,
or work practice controls are required. When the noise levels cannot be controlled through these methods
hearing protection will be provided.

Biological Hazards
Animal and insect bites or stings (indluding bees, wasps, ticks, spiders, snakes, rats, etc.) can cause
localized swelling, itching, and minor pain that can be handled by first aid treatment. In sensitive
individuals, however, effects can be more serious, such as anaphylactic shock that can lead to severe
reactions in the circulatory, respiratory, and central nervous system, and in some cases, even death. Do
not attempt to capture any wild or semiwild animals such as cats, rats or snakes due to the possibility of a
bite or parasitic infestation.

Standard Field Activity Procedures

To ensure the safety of personnel in the work area, the following field activity procedures shall be
followed:

Never put notebooks or other equipment down in waste areas.

Avoid wet or muddy areas.

C&D Debris Recycling

Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling

According to the 2014 Disposal Facility-Based Characterization of Solid Waste in California (PDF,
5.6 MB), construction and demolition (C&D) materials are estimated to account for between 21.7 to
25.5 percent of the disposed waste stream. Previous study estimates have ranged from 29 percent
in 2008 to 24 percent in 2004.

Common C&D materials include lumber, drywall, metals, masonry (brick, concrete, etc.), carpet,
plastic, pipe, rocks, dirt, paper, cardboard, or green waste related to land development. Many of
these materials can be reused or recycled, thus prolonging our supply of natural resources and
potentially saving money in the process. Of these, metals are the most commonly recycled material
while lumber makes up the majority of debris that still goes to a landfill.

Excerpts from Best Practices in Waste Reduction Video

Reuse and Recycling

Tools for architects, builders, local governments, and C&D processors

Events

Excerpts: Best Practices in Waste Reduction Video (October

2009)
Below are several chapters in CalRecycle's 12-chapter Best Practices in Waste Reduction video
series (Windows Media Video: 1.12 Mbps):

Chapter 1: Opening Overview (2:39 minutes) | YouTube | Transcript (PDF, 17 KB)

Chapter 3: C&D and MRFs (2:24 minutes) | YouTube | Transcript (PDF, 29 KB)

Chapter 4: C&D--The Law and Monetary Incentives (2:24 minutes)

| YouTube | Transcript (PDF, 15 KB)

Chapter 5: C&D--Separating Material (1:34 minutes) | YouTube | Transcript (PDF, 23 KB)

Chapter 8: Deconstruction and Wood Waste (1:19 minutes) | YouTube | Transcript (PDF, 14
KB)

Reducing waste can save you money, conserve energy and resources, and reduce air, soil, and
water pollution. The Best Practices in Waste Reduction video shows you real options for recycling,
reducing, or reusing solid waste products. All 12 chapters are available to watch on YouTube or on
our Video Central training page. Helping promote Californias development of markets for recyclable
materials is part of our mission. We can help you with technical, financial, and permitting assistance.
Please feel free to contact CalRecycle's Office of Public Affairs for more information. (2009)

Reuse and Recycling

Reuse and recycling of C&D materials is one component of a larger holistic practice called
sustainable or green building construction. The efficient use of resources is a fundamental tenet of
green building construction. This means reducing, reusing, and recycling most if not all materials that
remain after a construction or renovation project. Green building construction practices can include
salvaging dimensional lumber from the project, using aggregates reclaimed from crushed concrete,
or grinding drywall scraps for use on site as a soil amendment.

At the end of a buildings life, demolition generates large amounts of materials that can be reused or
recycled, principally wood, concrete and other types of masonry, and drywall. Rather than demolish
an entire building, consider deconstructing all or part of the structure. Deconstruction is the orderly
dismantling building components for reuse or recycling. In contrast to demolition, where buildings are
knocked down and materials are either landfilled or recycled, deconstruction involves carefully taking
apart portions of buildings or removing their contents with the primary goal being reuse. It can be as
simple as stripping out cabinetry, fixtures, and windows, or as involved as manually taking apart the
building frame.

For more information about sustainable building products and methods, please visit
CalRecycle's Green Building website.

Through careful planning, reuse and recycling of C&D materials can actually be more economical
than disposal. For information about common C&D recycling practices and techniques as they apply
to specific materials, visit the C&D materials page.

Do you need to locate a C&D recycling facility in your area? Visit CalRecycle's Facility Information
Toolbox (FacIT) to search for recycling facilities by material type.

Additionally, many local jurisdictions operate or have knowledge of local private recycling options. To
locate a contact for your local jurisdiction, use the CalRecycle's Local Assistance Contacts database.

Events
Information about Construction and Demolition related events or workshops can be found on
the Green Building Events database.

Last updated: January 4, 2017

Construction and Demolition Recycling

Asphalt Pavement Recycling

Introduction

Quantities

Definitions

Road Recycling Methods

Recycled Asphalt Concrete Producers

Purchasing

Markets

Local Government

Specifications

Siting

Related Organizations

Publications

Introduction
Benefits of Recycling Asphalt
Recycling of asphalt pavement can save money for local governments and other purchasers, create
additional business opportunities, save energy when recycling is done on site, conserve diminishing
resources of aggregates and petroleum products, and help local governments meet the goal of reducing
disposal by 50 percent by the year 2000.

See Recycled Aggregate for information about recycling asphalt pavement into aggregate base.

Quantities
Source
The 1990 waste stream composition data were reported to the California Integrated Waste Management
Board, (now CalRecycle) by local governments in response to the Integrated Waste Management Act of
1989. These reports supplied the following information:
Construction and Demolition (C&D). C&D materials made up about 28 percent of California's
waste stream, or 11 million tons.
 Asphalt Pavement. While recycled asphalt pavement was not reported separately in these data,
generation of "inert solid waste," which consists of concrete, asphalt, dirt, brick and other rubble,
was conservatively estimated at 8.2 million tons. The estimated recycling rate for inert solid wastes
was 57 percent; the remainder was disposed of.

Definitions
In the western United States, asphalt refers to the bituminous substance used to bind aggregate together
to make asphalt concrete (AC). The aggregate makes up the bulk of the AC, while the asphalt binder
comprises about
5 to 7 percent.

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is used AC pavement that has been processed.

Recycled asphalt concrete (RAC) is the product of mixing RAP with new aggregates, asphalt and/or
recycling agent.

A recycling agent is used to soften and rejuvenate the existing asphalt pavement.

Pavement is the top layer of roadway, and is made of portland cement concrete (PCC) or AC. The
pavement is supported by the base and sub-base, which consist of aggregate and other materials. The
pavement can be crushed and used as recycled aggregate base or, if it is AC, it can be reprocessed into
RAC.

Cold planing, also called cold milling, is the removing or milling of a layer of pavement by a cold planing
machine. The exposed surface can be used temporarily as a driving surface and is usually overlaid with
new material.

Top

Road Recycling Methods

Purpose
Roads are rehabilitated to correct deficiencies such as rutting, cracking, oxidation, brittleness, irregular
shrinkage, and aggregate stripped of asphalt.
Methods
The following methods of roadway rehabilitation recycle old pavement into new:

Cold, In-Place Recycling. The pavement is removed by cold planing to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. The
material is pulverized, sized, and mixed with an additive. Virgin aggregate may be added to modify RAP
characteristics. An asphalt emulsion or a recycling agent is added, then the material is placed and
compacted. An additional layer is optional, such as a chip seal, or 1 to 3 inches of hot-mix asphalt.

A 3-piece "train" may be used, consisting of a cold planing machine, a screening/crushing/ mixing unit,
and conventional laydown and rolling equipment. This "train" occupies only one lane, thus maximizing
traffic flow. Caltrans has used cold in-place recycling in over 25 projects in California.
According to the Asphalt Recycling and Reclaiming Association, cost savings can range from 20 to 40
percent over conventional techniques. Because no heat is used, energy savings can be from 40 to 50
percent.

Hot Recycling. At a central plant, RAP is combined with hot new aggregate, and asphalt or a recycling
agent to produce AC, using a batch or drum plant. The RAP is usually obtained from a cold planing
machine, but could also be from a ripping/crushing operation.

Hot, In-Place Recycling. The pavement is softened by heating, and is scarified or hot milled to a depth of
3/4 to 1-1/2 inches and mixed. New hot mix material and/or a recycling agent is added in a single pass of
the machine. A new wearing course may also be added with an additional pass after compaction.

Hot Mix--Remixing. The road is heated to 1-1/2 to 2 inches, and the existing AC is removed to that
depth. It is then mixed with virgin mix and/or rejuvenating agents and laid as a single course.

Hot Mix--Repave. This method is the same as remixing, but it is overlaid with new hot mix.

Hot Mix--Heater Scarification. This method is appropriate for roadways that have a stable and
structurally adequate base. The road is heated, scarifiers scrape and loosen the pavement, rejuvenating
agent is applied, and the surface is leveled in preparation for the addition of a final, thin, wearing course.

Full-Depth Reclamation. All of the asphalt pavement section and a portion of the underlying materials
are processed to produce a stabilized base course. The materials are crushed and additives are
introduced; the materials are then shaped and compacted, and a surface or wearing course is applied.

Top

RAC Producers
According to the CalRecycle's current information, there are at least 25 plants producing RAC in
California. Some receive RAP at the plant; others have mobile equipment for in-place recycling. AC
recyclers are available at Facility Information Toolbox (FacIT), also Construction/Demolition Recyclers--
Processors & Receivers and Recycled-Content Construction Products .

Purchasing
Caltrans and local public works departments put their road jobs out to bid. The contractors who win the
bid are the actual purchasers of the AC. However, if a project is to use recycled AC, Caltrans or the local
agency must specify recycled AC in the bid.

Markets
Uses
AC is found in roadways (State highways, local public roads, and private roads), airport runways, parking
lots, driveways, and tennis courts. The primary market for RAC is roadways.
Southern California
There are many markets in southern California because most local governments use the Greenbook,
which supplies RAP specifications. (See "Specifications," next page.)
Northern California
Most local governments in Northern California, however, are waiting for Caltrans to finalize their
specifications. RAC is not in ready supply in the area, because the AC recycling industry requires a
certain volume of business before investing in equipment. One exception to this rule is Gallager & Burke,
which supplies RAC to several cities in the East Bay.
Local Governments
Local governments can help promote markets for RAC because they are large purchasers of asphalt and
other road construction products. Some communities are taking steps to promote RAC, including the
following:

Los Angeles. In March 1995, the City of Los Angeles passed a motion requiring that all asphalt surfacing
purchased by city departments include a minimum of 15 percent RAP.

Modesto. The City of Modesto has a purchasing practice for on-site street recycling that includes RAC.

San Diego. The City and County of San Diego routinely allows 15 percent RAP in new asphalt for public
projects.

San Jose. The City of San Jose allows 15 percent RAP in asphalt base, the AC layer under the 2-inch
surface layer.

Top

Specifications
Most local jurisdictions use Caltrans specifications. In southern California, the Greenbook is commonly
used. (See Greenbook discussion below.) Where RAC is allowed, it must also, of course, meet the same
grading and quality requirements as virgin AC.

Caltrans Specifications--Procedures
Caltrans takes a new "spec" through three stages:

1. Special Provision (SP). First it is an SP where it is used initially on a number of projects.

2. Standard Special Provision (SSP). After the SP has been used successfully for a period of time,
then it usually becomes an SSP which means it is a method approved by Caltrans.

3. Standard Specification. After the SSP has been used successfully for a period of time, then it usually
becomes a Standard Specification, and is included in the Caltrans Standard Specifications which is
published every four years. The latest edition using English measurements is dated July 1992. A metric
edition was published July 1995; all subsequent editions will be metric. The next edition is anticipated in
1998 or 1999.
Caltrans Specifications--Pending
Caltrans specifications for two AC processes are being modified: "Hot Recycling at a Central Plant" (25-
50 percent recycled) and "Cold, In-Place" (100 percent recycled). The specifications are expected to be
completed in 1997. Temporary versions are currently being used in Caltrans projects, and are available to
local governments and the public through Caltrans.

Caltrans Specifications--Future
Caltrans is investigating various technologies for future specification:

Stockpile Study. Caltrans is doing a "pilot study" to determine the feasibility of using up to 15 percent
RAP from contractor-generated multisource stockpiles. Progress has been slow in this area because few
projects have been constructed using this type of recycling. The evaluation period will continue at least
through the 1997 construction season.

Microwave. One company produces 100 percent RAC by using a patented cool flow and microwave
process to reheat it. Caltrans completed the second test project with this technology in the summer of
1995 using up to 70 percent RAP. Results have been evaluated. Although the process looks favorable,
the recycle mix did not meet Caltrans specifications on this project.

Hot, In-Place. Caltrans also tested hot, in-place AC recycling on two projects. A recycling agent was used
to rejuvenate the old asphalt. Up to 15 percent new AC was added in some sections; the new AC is 100
percent recycled. The process is available as a "Special Provision." However, the results are inconclusive,
so they classify the method as experimental, which means that Caltrans does not use the procedure
routinely. Caltrans plans to use this type of recycling on future test projects.

Greenbook Specifications
What is the Greenbook? The Greenbook is another name for the Standard Specifications for Public
Works Construction, and is used by the City and County of Los Angeles and 200 other local governments
and agencies in the Los Angeles area. It is published by the Joint Cooperative Committee of the Southern
California Chapter of the American Public Works Association, and the Southern California Districts of the
Associated General Contractors of California.

The Greenbook is updated and republished every three years. Supplements are published yearly. It
includes English and metric units, and is available through:

BNI Building News

990 Park Center Drive, Suite E
Vista, CA 92081-8352
(888) 264-2665

RAC Specifications. The Greenbook has specifications for "Recycled Asphalt Concrete--Hot Mixed" in
Section 203-7. Methods are outlined for batch plants and drier-drums. Up to 15 percent of RAP is allowed
in the virgin mix. Larger percentages of RAP are allowed if test data is submitted to the Chief Engineer of
the Agency.
Top

Siting
Setting up a new asphalt recycling plant requires certain State and local permits, such as air, water, and
zoning.

Where Can I Get Help?

Businesses starting or expanding into recycling activities may get financial, technical, marketing,
business, and permitting assistance from the
"R-Team" at CalRecycle, at (916) 341-6526.
Air Permits
The local air districts may be concerned about nuisance odors and various emissions, and may require
processors to spray with water to control dust. Locate your local air district by contacting the Air
Resources Board.
Water Permits
The Regional Water Quality Control District may need to permit the facility depending on feedstock and
location. Look up your district on the State Water Resources Control Board's Regional Water Quality
Control Board page.
Solid Waste Permits
The CalRecycle is developing a tiered permitting system for solid waste facilities. However, processors
that accept segregated C&D debris should not require a permit. Contact your Local Enforcement Agency
(LEA) for updates. To find out who the LEA is for the project area, check our LEA Directory database.
Related Organizations
Asphalt Recycling & Reclaiming Association
#3 Church Circle, Suite 250
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 267-0023
Southern California Chapter
American Public Works Association
c/o Jim Biery, Director of Public Works
City of Southgate
8650 California Ave.
Southgate, CA 90280
(213) 563-9537
San Diego/Imperial County Chapter
American Public Works Association
c/o James P. Casey
3208 Westcliffe Place
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 223-8244
American Public Works Association
2345 Grand, Suite 500
 Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 472-6100
Northern California Asphalt Producers Association
c/o Roger Smith
P. O. Box 2201
Nevada City, CA 95959
(916) 265-5622
National Asphalt Paving Association
NAPA Building
5100 Forbes Blvd.
Lanham, MD 20706-4413
(301) 731-4748
National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT)
Publications Dept.
Auburn University
211 Ramsay Hall
Auburn, AL 36849-5354
(334) 844-6228
Publications
To download or order CalRecycle publications, and to see a complete publications list, go to
the CalRecycle Online Publications Catalog.

Free Magazine Subscription

C&D Debris Recycling,

Intertech Publishing
9800 Metcalf
Overland Park, Kansas 66212
(800) 441-0294
Reports
Asphalt Hot-Mix Recycling, The Asphalt Institute, Lexington, KY, $8, (606) 288-4960.

A Study of the Use of Recycled Paving Material, Report to Congress as specified in the
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), Report No. FHWA-RD-93-147,
EPA/600/R-93/095.
Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling

C&D Recycling Tools for Contractors, Local

Governments, and Processors
Contractors
The contractor's toolkit includes a number of tools developed by CalRecycle to assist contractors
working to divert waste from job sites. These tools include specifications, corporate best
management practices, planning tools, and other resources.

Local Governments
Does your jurisdiction have a C&D ordinance or is it considering adopting one? CalRecycle
has sample C&D ordinances to assist your jurisdiction in the development of its own C&D
ordinance.

CalRecycle has also developed a C&D Diversion Guide for Local Governments as a
companion to the Model Ordinance.

For a list of conversion factors for C&D material and lumber (see wood), please see
Appendix I of the Diversion Study Guide.

Local Governments often use Caltrans' Standard Specifications and Standard Special
Provisions for road projects. Caltrans' specifications allow the use of recycled aggregate in
these projects.

C&D Processors
This information is to assist in the permitting and operating requirements for C&D and inert transfer
and processing facilities. Regulations affecting C&D and inert debris transfer/processing facilities
became effective on August 9, 2003. Check these regulations to see if they apply to your facility. Or,
review the Rulemaking Archive for more information regarding the rulemaking history. Other useful
resources can be found at the following websites:

Construction/Demolition and Inert Debris Resources-- Information concerning the regulations

for CDI Transfer and Processing facilities.

Questions and Answers: Construction and Demolition and Inert Debris Transfer/Processing
Regulations

Tier Framework Highlights (Word, 18 KB)

Permit Toolbox (information on all permit types)

Regulations Implementation Guidance for LEAs

Questions and Answers: Construction and Demolition

and Inert Debris Transfer/Processing Regulations
If you have a question that you would like answered here please submit it to Robert Holmes. Don't forget
to make it clear that the question is one you would like placed on this page--include the URL or web
address in your e-mail.

Question 1: Does the clean up of a legacy pile of concrete and asphalt require a permit?

Answer 1: If the processing and removal of the pile is part of a required clean up directed by a regulating
agency, no permit will be required as long as no offsite material is received.

Question 2: It was repeatedly stated during the regulatory development process that naturally occurring
clean soil and rock are not regulated as solid waste. The initial statement of reasons for the construction
and demolition waste and inert debris disposal regulations seem to say this as well as the 1996 final
statement of reasons for the nonhazardous petroleum contaminated soil regulations. Are there any other
written guidance documents from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery
(CalRecycle) that you are aware of that reiterate this position?

Answer 2: CalRecycle has provided no such guidance as it is believed that solid waste statutes,
regulations, and supporting documents clearly indicate that there is no intent to regulate clean soil and
rock.

Question 3: An operation takes in 3,000 tons per day of presorted inert construction debris (i.e., asphalt,
concrete with contained rebar, concrete block, and brick; no wood, no putrescibles). Residuals consist of
tarps used between layers of asphalt (likely less than 10 percent). Operation produces 2/3" - 2" spec. and
non-spec. AB, sand, clean fill dirt, and scrap metal. The materials are shipped to area construction
projects for road and pad fill and base, and pipe bedding. Storage times vary depending on demand for
product. Which tier would this operation fit?

Answer 3: Since the materials appear to be type A inert debris, the residuals are less than 10 percent and
the putrescible less than 1 percent, this is an inert debris recycling center, subject only to the time
limitations, as described in 14 CCR 17381.1.

Question 4: Drywall crushing operation consisting of post consumer and off-spec material from a drywall
manufacturer. Operator crushes the material then ships it to local farmers for use as soil amendment. Is
this activity subject to the construction and demolition regulations?

Answer 4: Yes. This site would be considered a construction and demolition debris and inert debris
recycling center subject to the time limitations as described in 14 CCR 17381.1.
Question 5: The construction, demolition, and inert debris processing regulations allow a facility that
existed prior to the approval of the regulations to continue to operate until the enforcement agency
determines a permit is needed [14 CCR 17385(b)]. If the enforcement agency determines that a full
permit is required, the operator must then apply and obtain a full permit within 180 days from the date the
owner/operator receives the enforcement agency's written determination. The regulations allow a
temporary registration permit as a phase [14 CCR 17385(c)].

If the operation requires a full permit and the operator begins the permitting process, in the interim of
applying and obtaining the permit, must the enforcement agency issue a temporary registration permit or
a notice and order?

Answer 5: The regulations allow for a grace period to obtain the required approval. Therefore, no
enforcement action needs to be taken by the enforcement agency until the grace period allowed in the
regulations (14 CCR 17385) has been exceeded. If the operator fails to obtain the required permit within
the timeframes, the enforcement agency must issue a cease and desist order to the operator to cease
that portion of the operation which requires a permit. The operator of an existing large volume
construction and demolition/inert debris processing facility may obtain a temporary registration permit to
delay the deadline for it to obtain a full permit. The temporary permit is only used to bridge the gap
between no permit and the issuance of a full permit. The temporary permit must be obtained in the
timeframes and in the same manner for processing a registration permit. If the operator fails to obtain a
temporary permit within the timeframes, the enforcement agency must take appropriate enforcement
action to address the portion of the facility which requires a solid waste facility permit.

Question 6: An operator brings in some mixed debris boxes and some source separated boxes of metal
and wood with less than 10% residual. Does the tonnage for the source separated material count toward
the facilitys total tonnage?

Since the enforcement agency notification tier levels were reduced to 25 tons or less, what portion of the
total tonnages need be counted in the regulations that cover the processing of construction, demolition,
and inert debris, as opposed to the part of a business which handles source separated construction,
demolition, and inert debris for recycling.

Answer 6: Assuming that all of the material is handled as one activity and assuming that the site does not
qualify as a recycling center, then all of the construction and demolition debris through the gate would
count toward the total tons received per day to determine the appropriate tier.

Question 7: Per 14 CCR 17385, an enforcement agency determines that an existing, non-permitted
construction and demolition/inert debris processing facility needs a full permit. The operator has 180 days
from the date of the determination to obtain the permit. OR the operator may elect to obtain and operate
under a temporary registration permit for up to 2 years (excluding extensions). If the operator elects to
apply for the temporary registration permit, does he/she have to submit a complete registration application
per 14 CCR 18104.1? Including 14 CCR 18104.1(e)(2) information regarding the conformance finding?
And what, if any, type of report of facility information would be required? The facility report required for a
full construction and demolition/inert debris processing per 14 CCR 18223.5, or one for a registration level
construction and demolition/inert debris processing facility, or the information defined in 14 CCR 18104.1?

Answer 7: Under 14 CCR 17385(b), an existing, unpermitted facility may continue to operate "in
substantially the same manner" as it has been doing until the enforcement agency notifies the operator of
the kind of permit the new regulations require. If a full permit is required, the operator must apply for and
obtain that permit within 180 days from the enforcement agency's notice. If the existing facility in question
is a large volume construction and demolition/inert debris processing facility, as defined in the regulations,
then 14 CCR 17385(c) applies. The facility may obtain a temporary registration permit in the same
manner as an operator would obtain a registration permit under 14 CCR 17385(b) (that is, within 60 days
from notice from the enforcement agency as to the kind of permit the new regulations require). The
operator then has two years (plus possible extensions) to get its full permanent permit. If the operator
chooses to proceed under 14 CCR 17385(c) and (b) he/she must meet all the requirements for a
registration permit, just like a new facility would. Thus, the operator must file an application in the manner
required under 14 CCR 18104.1 which includes the conformance finding required at 14 CCR 18104.1(e)
(2) (or (e)(1), if applicable). The report of facility information would be whatever is required of a
registration tier permittee, which is specified in 14 CCR 18223 of the new regulations. An existing facility
that is operating under a temporary registration permit, however, may continue to handle quantities which
a large volume construction and demolition/inert debris processing facility may handle. The facility may
not increase the amount of material until it gets a full permit. (The purpose of 14 CCR 17385 is to allow
existing businesses to continue to operate without requiring them to go immediately through all of the
hoops required for a full permit, but not to allow them to expand their business before they get the
necessary full permit.)

Question 8: An operator has submitted an EA notification package for a small volume construction &
demolition wood chipping and grinding site that meets the requirements of 14 CCR 18103.1. The
operation plan required to be submitted is, in my opinion, inadequate. Does the enforcement agency send
a letter to the operator acknowledging the EA notification but that it is unacceptable, thereby determining
the operation is out of compliance with 14 CCR requirements? What is the violation? EA notification is not
a permit, so are they allowed to operate without a permit? They have submitted the information required,
but not adequately.

Answer 8: The operator of a small volume construction & demolition wood chipping and grinding
operation must meet the requirements of 14 CCR 18103.1-Filing Requirements and 14 CRR 17386-
Operation Plan. An operator should not operate until they have fully complied with the requirements. An
enforcement agency should take appropriate enforcement actions if it is determined that the operator has
not fully complied with the filing and/or operation plan requirements and is operating the site. 14 CCR
18103(c) states: "Operations authorized to use the enforcement agency notification tier are required to
operate in accordance with the minimum standards set forth in Chapters 3 or 3.1 of Division 7 applicable
to that operation." Article 5.9 is under Chapter 3 of Division 7. In addition, Article 5.9, Section
17386(a) states: "The Plan shall contain the following..." (which includes all the requirements of the
Operations Plan).

The enforcement agency should follow the appropriate guidelines as noted in its own enforcement
program plan. For example, an escalating level of regulatory responses for enforcement agency use
could include a compliance request (written or verbal) > applicable violation noted on an inspection form >
notice of violation > notice and order > cease and desist. As enforcement agency notification sites are not
facilities, the use of Public Resources Code 44002 may be problematic. However, other enforcement tools
available to enforcement agencies could be used to require an operation to either cease operating or to
comply with requirements established in state regulations. Factors that an enforcement agency may
consider when choosing the level and timing of enforcement options include the level of threat to public
health and safety and/or the environment posed by the operation and whether the operator knowingly
disregarded the regulations when commencing or continuing operations after implementation of said
regulations.

Question 9: I have a question on the processing of notifications. What are the regulations that the
enforcement agency should use when it receives an incomplete enforcement agency notification
package? Many times the enforcement agency notification is missing the letter to the local planning
agency. What if the facility plan or other required information on the application form is not complete and
correct? In these cases do we reject the enforcement agency notification?

Answer 9: The operator of an enforcement agency notification level operation must meet the
requirements of 14 CCR 18103.1-Filing Requirements, and any specific requirements for that particular
type of activity. An operator should not operate until they have fully complied with the requirements. An
enforcement agency should take appropriate enforcement action if it is determined that the operator has
not fully complied with the filing and/or additional requirements and is operating the site. 14 CCR
18103(c) states: "Operations authorized to use the enforcement agency notification tier are required to
operate in accordance with the minimum standards set forth in Chapters 3 or 3.1 of Division 7 applicable
to that operation."

The enforcement agency should follow the appropriate guidelines as noted in its own enforcement
program plan. For example, an escalating level of regulatory responses for enforcement agency use
could include a compliance request (written or verbal) > applicable violation noted on an inspection form >
notice of violation > notice and order > cease and desist. As enforcement agency notification sites are not
facilities, the use of Public Resources Code 44002 may be problematic. However, other enforcement tools
available to enforcement agencies could be used to require an operation to either cease operating or to
comply with requirements established in state regulations. Factors that an enforcement agency may
consider when choosing the level and timing of enforcement options include the level of threat to public
health and safety and/or the environment posed by the operation and whether the operator knowingly
disregarded the regulations when commencing or continuing operations after implementation of said
regulations.

Question 10: Chipping and grinding of any material, or the receipt of chipped and ground material, is
prohibited at construction and demolition debris/inert debris recycling centers. So, if a company chips and
grinds source separated wood pallets it cannot be a construction and demolition debris and inert debris
recycling center. Right?

Answer 10: Yes. Pursuant to 14 CCR 17381.1(c), chipping and grinding of any material is prohibited at a
construction and demolition debris/inert debris recycling center. Chipping and grinding is not the same as
crushing of inert debris. The chipping and grinding activity would require the appropriate tiered permit
(enforcement agency notification, registration permit, or full permit) based on the amount of material
received.
Question 11: If a construction and demolition and inert debris transfer/processing activity/facility is
located at a landfill or transfer/processing facility that has a tiered or full permit is the construction and
demolition and inert debris transfer/processing activity/facility required to be identified in the jurisdiction's
nondisposal facility element before the enforcement agency can process the paperwork for the EA
notification/permit?

Answer 11: The finding of consistency with the nondisposal facility element is required for permits only,
not for enforcement agency notifications. If the activity/facility was in existence prior to August 2002 (when
CalRecycle made a policy determination) and was also described in the report of facility information
and/or permit, then they were grandfathered for purposes of finding conformance with the nondisposal
facility element relative to a permit action only. If the activity/facility commenced operations after August
2002, then they are subject to the conformance finding requirements before the enforcement agency can
find that the permit application is complete. Resolution 2002-413 (revised) outlines the CalRecycle policy
decision.

Question 12: Source separated, separated for reuse construction & demolition material is received at a
site along with some raw wood (branches, stumps). No tip fee is charged and material is load checked.
The loads are sorted to pull out materials appropriate for use in the manufacture of pallets (2x4s, 2x6s,
plywood sheets). Materials not suitable for the pallet manufacture are chipped into sawdust that is
immediately transferred to a facility manufacturing plywood, particleboard and decking products. Very little
residual is created. Although the operator has discussed accepting green waste and inert debris for
processing, that is a potential future activity. Is this facility exempt?

Answer 12: No. It is not exempt. The 14 CCR 17402.5(c)(5) manufacturing definition does not apply
here. This site is a manufacturer when it makes pallets, but not when it chips construction and demolition
debris and trees into sawdust, which it then sells to a manufacturer pursuant to 14 CCR 17862.1. The
activity of manufacturing pallets is no different than the chipping and grinding to produce wood mulch or to
sell chipped wood to a company that manufacturers plywood.

Note: Check to see if this site falls into the small quantity exclusion, i.e., 14 CCR 17382(a)(4)(B) for
chipping and grinding sites that handle less than 500 cubic yards on-site at any one time.

Question 13: What tier would a type A inert debris processing facility be placed in if it is more the 1,500
tons a day of type A inert debris? Keep in mind that the material handled is only type A inert debris, but
there may be a very small residual of type B inert debris. Would that place them in a full permit tier?

Answer 13: Pursuant to 14 CCR 17381(q) a 1,500 tons per day construction and demolition/inert debris
processing facility of any combination of construction and demolition debris and type A inert debris is
defined as a large volume construction and demolition/inert debris processing facility. Pursuant to 14 CCR
17383.7 such a facility requires a full solid waste facilities permit.

Question 14: In what tier would a soil disposal operation be slotted? The operation will take soils for
disposal. They will blend different soils to make a plant, landscaping or building mix. The rest of the soil
received is placed in small piles in rows on a closed landfill surface. These piles are often mixed with type
A inert debris. At some point the piles are graded onto the landfill surface. I don't know if they are graded
in to the landfill surface with the over sight of an engineer or to a certain specification. Would this slot as
an engineered fill disposal site? The owner of the site would like to develop the landfill into a retail or
industrial complex.

Answer 14: Yes, pursuant to 14 CCR 17388(l) the use of one of the type A materials enumerated in that
subsection as an aspect of the soil disposal operation could be considered an inert debris engineered fill
operation if it meets specifications in 14 CCR 17388(l) and 17388.3.

Note: The enforcement agency should review issues relative to the post-closure land use at the closed
landfill. Alternatively, if it does not qualify as an inert debris engineered fill operation, the activity might be
considered an inert debris type A disposal facility (14 CCR 17388(m) and 17388.4).

Question 15: Does 14 CCR 17383.7(d) mean all three: land use entitlement, storage plan and financial
assurances requirements, have to be met in order to extend the storage time limit?

Answer 15: No. Only one is required. The final statement of reasons developed as part of the rulemaking
and submitted to the Office of Administrative Law further clarifies this by stating the following: "This
section is necessary to accommodate alternatives to proposed regulations that offer similar or equivalent
assurances to compliance standards or extensions of storage limits in order to protect public health,
safety, and the environment. Longer storage periods may facilitate marketing of materials as long as no
public health, safety or environmental concerns arise from the extended periods. The operator may
choose one of the three alternatives available, the operator does not have to comply will all of them."

Question 16: I have an inert disposal site that has an exemption. The site cannot have more than 1%
non-inert material. Can you check and see if the 1% is normally calculated by weight or volume.

Answer 16: Under the current regulations inert disposal is now handled differently and the allowable non-
inert is not an issue. As defined in 14 CCR 17388(m) an inert debris type A disposal facility can accept
only type A inert debris. If a site receives type A and B inert debris and/or other types of construction and
demolition debris it is a construction and demolition waste and inert debris disposal facility as defined
in 14 CCR 17388(d), which requires a landfill permit issued under 27 CCR. Previous exemptions to full
solid waste facility permits should be reviewed and a determination made relative to the appropriate level
of regulation for each site. Note that sites covered by 14 CCR, Division 7, Chapter 3.0, Article 5.95 cannot
be exempted from permit requirements. Per 14 CCR 17388(d)-"CDI Waste Disposal Facility" means a
facility at which construction and demolition waste, construction and demolition waste together with inert
debris (type A or B) or inert debris (type B) only is disposed. Per 14 CCR 17388(m)-"Inert Debris Type A
Disposal Facility" means a site where only type A inert debris is disposed to land. Inert debris type A
disposal facilities do not include inert debris engineered fill operations. Per 27 CCR 21565(b), the
classification of solid waste facilities that may be exempted include: unclassified waste management units
as defined by the State Water Resources Control Board, except as otherwise provided in 14 CCR,
Division 7, Chapter 3.0 Article 5.95.

Question 17: With the promulgation of the construction and demolition waste and inert debris disposal
regulations, an existing inert landfill with a full permit in our jurisdiction would like to down-tier from a full
permit to an enforcement agency notification tier as an inert debris engineered fill operation. The current
permit allows for 6,000 tons per day. On the enforcement agency notification form the operator indicated
that they were going to take 7,500 tons per day. Per 14 CCR 17388.3 there is no restriction on how much
inert material is allowed in this tier. Can the operator increase the daily maximum tonnage when down-
tiering from a full permit to an enforcement agency notification?

Answer 17: 14 CCR 17388.3 does not limit the maximum daily tonnage for an inert debris engineered fill
operation. The operator must comply with all peak tonnages in other permits from other agencies. The
operations plan required by 14 CCR 17390(g) requires the operator to include information regarding types
and daily quantities of waste or debris to be received.

Question 18: An inert debris engineered fill operation in our jurisdiction stockpiles about 450 tons per day
of type A inert debris on-site for crushing (processing). The materials have been source separated at the
point of generation and include cured asphalt, uncontaminated concrete, brick, ceramics and clay and
clay products. These may be associated with mixed rock and soil. The residual requiring disposal is less
than 1%. A piece of equipment that crushes the material comes every 6-9 months to crush the material.
The operator is claiming that this stockpile and crushing operation is an inert debris recycling center
pursuant to 14 CCR 17381.1(a). Is this operation an inert debris recycling center pursuant to 14 CCR
17381.1(a) or an inert debris type A processing operation pursuant to 14 CR 17383.7? Is crushing
considered processing or chipping and grinding?

Answer 18: This operation is an inert debris recycling center pursuant to 14 CCR 17381.1(a). The
operation receives only type A inert debris that is source separated. Crushing is allowed at an inert debris
recycling center. Storage times at an inert debris recycling center are outlined in 14 CCR 17381.1(e).
There are no storage time limits for inert debris recycling centers that are located at an inert debris
engineered fill operation [14 CCR 17381.1(e)(3)].

Question 19: I am requesting clarification on the types of materials a construction and demolition/inert
debris processing facility can accept, process, and transfer and still be considered a legitimate
construction and demolition/inert debris processing facility.

Can all materials and refuse that originates from a construction and demolition site (or manufacturing
plant that produces construction and demolition and inert-like material) be accepted at a construction and
demolition/inert processing facility even if the incoming load contains those items that are not listed in 14
CCR 17381(e)(1) and (k)(1)?

Example, a homeowner is remodeling a kitchen and rents a 40 cubic yard bin to dispose of the kitchen
sink, the marble countertops, the ceramic floor tiles, etc. However, in addition to disposing of the above
items in the roll off bin, the homeowner also disposes of items in the garage such as a surfboard, a
workout bench, toys, an entertainment center, clothes, etc. In addition, the homeowner has excellent
rapport with his neighbors and notifies them they can also dispose of similar items in the roll off bin, which
they do. When the roll off bin is ready to be picked up by the hauling company, the contents of the bin, by
visual appearance, are 50% of the kitchen remodeling work and 50% of household materials. None of the
items in the roll off bin contain food waste, so there are no putrescible wastes.
Second example, a 10 foot by 10 foot storage shed made of stucco is demolished. The contents of the
storage shed are a lawnmower, rakes, lawn chairs, bicycles, and shovels, which were also demolished.
The demolished storage shed and the contents are then placed in a 40 cubic yard bin for additional
processing. The contents of the bin, by visual appearance, are 15% stucco and 85% of the items listed
above.

Answer 19: The answer to the generic question in the second paragraph is no.

The material described in the first example does not meet the definition of construction and demolition
debris [14 CCR 17380.1(e)]. Some of the material (the solid waste from the neighbors) does not qualify as
construction and demolition/inert debris because it does not result from construction work as defined
in 14 CCR 17381(g). As for the surfboard, a workout bench, toys, an entertainment center, [and] clothes,
they do not qualify as construction and demolition/inert debris because they do not meet the definitions of
either C&D debris (14 CCR 17381(e) or inert debris (14 CCR 17381(k)(1) and (2)).

The material described in the second example does meet the definition of construction and demolition
debris as it all comes directly from construction work, in this case demolition of a shed, and does not
include prohibited material [arguably, at least, the contents of the shed, which are typical items found in a
storage shed, could be described as equipment and furnishings, as described at 14 CCR 17381(e)(1)
(A)].

Question 20: In the phase II construction and demolition waste and inert debris disposal regulations, any
material that is processed at a construction and demolition/inert debris processing facility should also be
permitted at an inert fill disposal site, since the materials are benign and will not decompose to where
landfill gas or leachate is generated. Do you agree?

Answer 20: It is certainly not true that whatever goes through a construction and demolition/inert debris
processing facility can be disposed in an inert debris engineered operation. Three types of disposal sites
are defined in the phase II construction and demolition waste and inert debris disposal regulations, as
follows:

1. 14 CCR 17388(d)-"CDI Waste Disposal Facility" [These sites may receive any construction and
demolition waste (14 CCR 17388(c)) and Type B inert debris (14 CCR 17388(k)(2))]

2. 14 CCR 17388(l)-"Inert Debris Engineered Fill Operation" [These sites may receive only a subset of
type A inert debris, 14 CCR 17388(l)], and

3. 14 CCR 17388(m)-"Inert Debris Type A Disposal Facility" [These sites may only receive type A inert
debris (14 CCR 17388(k)(1))].

Of these disposal sites, only construction and demolition waste and inert debris disposal facilities can
receive and dispose of all of the various types of material that could also be received and processed at a
construction and demolition/inert debris processing facility, as these sites handle a subset of construction
and demolition waste.
Question 21: Does 14 CCR 17388.2(a)(6) under excluded activities, which addresses inert landfills that
take material from various government projects, apply to an operator that accepts and disposes of C&D
materials from various government projects?

Answer 21: No. 14 CCR 17388.2(a)(6) only excludes the "use" of inert material in "connection" with road
building, road repair, etc. by federal, state or local government projects. (The use of such materials does
not include its disposal.) The subsection does not exclude the disposal of materials generated from a
federal, state or local government project.

For example, if CalTrans is receiving concrete, crushing it and using the material as road base, the
activity would be excluded. This is different from a site that receives concrete generated from a CalTrans
project but does not use it in connection with road building, repair, etc., but disposes of the concrete. This
type of operation could be an engineered fill, or inert disposal depending on how it is operated.

Note: An enforcement agency should not use 14 CCR 17388.2(a)(6) to exclude disposal operations just
because the material is generated by a governmental agency.

Question 22: Is a site that is in the process of placing 4,000 cubic yards of concrete rubble for
reclamation and levee work exempt from CalRecycle C&D regulations (or at least excluded from the
permit process)? CalRecycle staff viewed the site and noted that it looked like piles of concrete rubble
dumped along a creek and that there were hand painted signs that said "CONCRETE HERE". The site
was open and unattended. The County Planning and Building Department prepared and approved a
mitigated negative declaration and issued a grading permit for the project.

Answer 22: It is assumed that this is not a project being carried out by a public agency so the exclusion
under 14 CCR 17388.2(a)(6) does not apply. If a project is accepting type A inert debris for longer than
one year, the site might qualify as an inert debris engineered fill operation per 14 CCR 17388.3 under the
enforcement agency notification tier or as an inert debris type A disposal facility per 14 CCR
17388.4 under a registration permit. This particular project appears to be the construction of a levee only.
It may qualify as an excluded engineered fill activity under 14 CCR 17388.2(a)(2) if the concrete has been
properly prepared. If the material is not processed to 2 minimum particle size this exemption would not
apply. Finally, depending on the specific facts of the project, the site may not be a disposal site at all or it
may be an illegal disposal site.

Question 23: According to 14 CCR 17380(g), the regulations do not apply to persons who generate C&D
debris or inert debris in the course of carrying out construction, remodeling, repair, demolition or
deconstruction of buildings, roads, and other structures at the site of the construction work. Currently, a
military base has several construction projects going on and they generate surplus lumber as a part of
their daily operations. As part of their recycling program, all discarded wood/lumber is taken to a site on-
base where it is chipped and ground into wood mulch. The wood mulch is used on the military base. Do
the regulations exclude a person who chips and grinds that portion of the C&D debris that is lumber or
wood into wood mulch? If not, is 14 CCR 17380(g) applicable to the military base?

Answer 23: Assuming that the military base has full control of the entire project, including demolition as
well as the chipping and grinding operations, and as long as the material used for the chipping and
grinding comes from the military base construction projects and the product is being used on the military
base, 14 CCR 17382(a)(4) could be applied. However, if any of the wood mulch is stockpiled for later use
the material must remain below temperatures of 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise it would be
considered a compostable material handling facility. Should the military base begin accepting discarded
wood/lumber from off-site for chipping and grinding operations, 14 CCR 17382(a)(4) no longer applies,
even if the material is used on the military base. Also, 14 CCR 17382(a)(4) no longer applies if the
product is sent off site.

Question 24: An operating facility is accepting street sweepings at a large volume construction and
demolition/inert debris transfer/processing facility. Are street sweepings allowed to be handled at a large
volume construction and demolition/inert debris transfer/processing facility?

Answer 24: No. Construction & demolition/inert debris transfer/processing sites can only handle
construction and demolition debris and/or type A inert debris. Street sweepings are not construction and
demolition debris nor are they type A inert debris. The final statement of reasons developed as part of the
rulemaking and submitted to the Office of Administrative Law further clarifies this by stating that street
sweepings are solid waste and are not allowed to be handled or processed at construction &
demolition/inert transfer/processing facilities or operations.

Question 25: 14 CCR 17388.3(c) requires the enforcement agency to determine whether the operations
plan for an inert debris engineered fill operation is complete and correct per 14 CCR 18101. However, the
definition of complete and correct per 14 CCR 18101 (d) & (e) is only for facilities. Was this an error? And
will this be corrected?

Answer 25: This was not an error. There is no need to correct the citation. The citation to 14 CCR
18101 is to help clarify what definition for complete and correct should be utilized by the enforcement
agency. The reference to solid waste permit in this section is not pertinent to the definition in this regard.
The enforcement agency is to review the operations plan to determine if it is complete and is correct, in
that it is accurate, exact, and fully provides information regarding the activity.
C&D Debris Recycling

Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling

According to the 2014 Disposal Facility-Based Characterization of Solid Waste in California (PDF,
5.6 MB), construction and demolition (C&D) materials are estimated to account for between 21.7 to
25.5 percent of the disposed waste stream. Previous study estimates have ranged from 29 percent
in 2008 to 24 percent in 2004.

Common C&D materials include lumber, drywall, metals, masonry (brick, concrete, etc.), carpet,
plastic, pipe, rocks, dirt, paper, cardboard, or green waste related to land development. Many of
these materials can be reused or recycled, thus prolonging our supply of natural resources and
potentially saving money in the process. Of these, metals are the most commonly recycled material
while lumber makes up the majority of debris that still goes to a landfill.

Excerpts from Best Practices in Waste Reduction Video

Reuse and Recycling

Tools for architects, builders, local governments, and C&D processors

Events

Excerpts: Best Practices in Waste Reduction Video (October

2009)
Below are several chapters in CalRecycle's 12-chapter Best Practices in Waste Reduction video
series (Windows Media Video: 1.12 Mbps):

Chapter 1: Opening Overview (2:39 minutes) | YouTube | Transcript (PDF, 17 KB)

Chapter 3: C&D and MRFs (2:24 minutes) | YouTube | Transcript (PDF, 29 KB)

Chapter 4: C&D--The Law and Monetary Incentives (2:24 minutes)

| YouTube | Transcript (PDF, 15 KB)

Chapter 5: C&D--Separating Material (1:34 minutes) | YouTube | Transcript (PDF, 23 KB)

Chapter 8: Deconstruction and Wood Waste (1:19 minutes) | YouTube | Transcript (PDF, 14
KB)

Reducing waste can save you money, conserve energy and resources, and reduce air, soil, and
water pollution. The Best Practices in Waste Reduction video shows you real options for recycling,
reducing, or reusing solid waste products. All 12 chapters are available to watch on YouTube or on
our Video Central training page. Helping promote Californias development of markets for recyclable
materials is part of our mission. We can help you with technical, financial, and permitting assistance.
Please feel free to contact CalRecycle's Office of Public Affairs for more information. (2009)
Reuse and Recycling
Reuse and recycling of C&D materials is one component of a larger holistic practice called
sustainable or green building construction. The efficient use of resources is a fundamental tenet of
green building construction. This means reducing, reusing, and recycling most if not all materials that
remain after a construction or renovation project. Green building construction practices can include
salvaging dimensional lumber from the project, using aggregates reclaimed from crushed concrete,
or grinding drywall scraps for use on site as a soil amendment.

At the end of a buildings life, demolition generates large amounts of materials that can be reused or
recycled, principally wood, concrete and other types of masonry, and drywall. Rather than demolish
an entire building, consider deconstructing all or part of the structure. Deconstruction is the orderly
dismantling building components for reuse or recycling. In contrast to demolition, where buildings are
knocked down and materials are either landfilled or recycled, deconstruction involves carefully taking
apart portions of buildings or removing their contents with the primary goal being reuse. It can be as
simple as stripping out cabinetry, fixtures, and windows, or as involved as manually taking apart the
building frame.

For more information about sustainable building products and methods, please visit
CalRecycle's Green Building website.

Through careful planning, reuse and recycling of C&D materials can actually be more economical
than disposal. For information about common C&D recycling practices and techniques as they apply
to specific materials, visit the C&D materials page.

Do you need to locate a C&D recycling facility in your area? Visit CalRecycle's Facility Information
Toolbox (FacIT) to search for recycling facilities by material type.

Additionally, many local jurisdictions operate or have knowledge of local private recycling options. To
locate a contact for your local jurisdiction, use the CalRecycle's Local Assistance Contacts database.

Events
Information about Construction and Demolition related events or workshops can be found on
the Green Building Events database
Local Government Construction and Demolition (C&D) Guide

Developing a C&D Ordinance

Background

Know Your Waste Stream

Involve All Interested Parties

Be Familiar With Other Ordinances in Surrounding Areas

Know Your Infrastructure

Plan for Education and Outreach Activities

Develop Ordinance Implementation Processes

Methods for Encouraging C&D Diversion

Ordinance Construction

Background
A construction and demolition (C&D) ordinance is a formal, publicly adopted law that gives a
jurisdiction enforcement authority for the diversion activities required in the ordinance. Before
adopting and implementing a C&D diversion ordinance, you should begin the process by first
researching your local conditions related to C&D waste, and include your local stakeholders
throughout the development of the ordinance. To help ensure your ordinance actually leads to
increase diversion of C&D debris from landfills, certain points should be considered during the
development, adoption, and implementation phases of your ordinance.

Many jurisdictions have adopted one of the C&D diversion ordinances available on our C&D Web
page. Whether you choose to use one of these sample ordinances or to build your own using
CalRecycles model ordinance tool, we strongly encourage you to first read through the "Important
Considerations" section below, as the information will help you during the development of your own
ordinance. Here is a sample of language (PDF, 37 KB) used by a jurisdiction (City of Atascadero) to
present their C&D ordinance to their city council and recommend its adoption (provided by San Luis
County).

Based on input CalRecycle staff received from local jurisdictions, the building industry, the demolition
industry, C&D recyclers, and solid waste haulers, the issues identified on the following pages should
be considered during the planning and development phases of your C&D diversion ordinance. You
will also find by reading through this information that several processes related to implementing the
ordinance, such as training for staff and contractors, and handling deposits or fines, should be in
place prior to its adoption.

C&D Diversion Guide Home | Know Your Waste Stream

Local Government Construction and Demolition (C&D) Guide

Know Your Waste Stream

An important first step in the development phase of a construction and demolition (C&D) diversion
ordinance is identifying the types and quantities of projects in your area that generate C&D material, and
how that material is currently being managed.

Asking these questions in the beginning of the ordinance process will allow you to focus your ordinance
on those types of projects that generate the most C&D material, and that are typically landfilled, instead of
being diverted. Targeting these projects should help you to achieve a higher level of C&D diversion. The
following questions are a good starting point in discovering this valuable planning information.

Demolition or Construction?
Is most of the waste generated from demolition projects, or is it also being generated from construction
projects? Is the waste generated from these projects typically diverted, or being disposed in a landfill?

Note: there is usually more C&D debris and inert debris generated from demolition projects than
construction projects of similar square footage or cost, although it is often easier to divert demolition
debris if it consists mostly of asphalt/concrete.

Project Types
What types of C& D projects (and what percentage of each) are occurring in your area: 1) large
commercial/industrial buildings, 2) new home construction (including multifamily complexes), or 3) small-
scale remodels? Renovation projects may generate less waste than a demolition project, but more than
new construction?

Knowing what types of C&D projects are predominant in your jurisdiction will also help you determine
which projects you would want to target in your ordinance and enable you to determine the adequacy of
your existing infrastructure for handling the C&D debris generated from those projects.

Most Permitted Projects

What kinds of projects (e.g., based on square footage, dollar value, or types of waste material generated)
are most frequently permitted in your jurisdiction?

Small Project Diversion

In some jurisdictions, most of the C&D waste is related to small residential projects. If that is the case,
while each individual project may be small, the cumulative impact on the jurisdictions total annual
disposal rate may be significant if efforts are not made to encourage or require diversion of this material.
For other jurisdictions, small projects like home remodels produce less significant tonnage when
compared to larger building construction and demolition projects, but they are still included in the
jurisdictions overall C&D diversion program.
Other jurisdictions have opted not to target small generators in their C&D diversion ordinances, but have
instead encouraged them to divert their C&D waste material by:

Providing them with a list of C&D recyclers in the area.

Providing educational materials on C&D diversion.

Requesting they divert at least 50 percent of their C&D materials.

Offering free pickup of these materials.

The cities of San Jose and Alameda both have C&D diversion ordinances that are good examples of how
a jurisdiction could address C&D waste from small generators. These cities C&D diversion ordinances
are available on CalRecycles C&D Ordinances Web page.

C&D Diversion Guide Home | Involve All Interested Parties

Local Government Construction and Demolition (C&D) Guide

Involve All Interested Parties

Make sure you build into the development phase of a construction and demolition (C&D) diversion
ordinance a process for input and feedback from potentially impacted stakeholders. Knowing their
concerns early on may prevent delays and challenges that may occur later in the adoption phase if these
concerns are not known early in the process.

Potential interested parties you may want to solicit input from during the development phase of your C&D
ordinance include:

Diversion facilities.

Waste haulers.

Contractors (building and demolition).

Solid waste joint powers authority.

Jurisdictions attorney.

Jurisdiction staff (e.g., building and engineering departments).

Jurisdictions in surrounding areas that may already have a C&D ordinance, or who are thinking of
adopting one.

Below is a sample of the kinds of information you may obtain when soliciting input from potential
stakeholders early on in your ordinance development:
Diversion Facilities
Diversion facility operators in your area will be able to provide feedback regarding the availability of C&D
diversion facilities in the surrounding area, and their tipping fees. This will help you to evaluate the
adequacy of your existing infrastructure for recovering C&D materials, and therefore to determine the
feasibility for contractors to meet a particular diversion goal.

Waste Haulers
Haulers may provide you with feedback on any cost differences for hauling materials to diversion facilities
versus disposal facilities. In addition, some C&D diversion ordinances require builders to use the
jurisdictions franchised hauler. However, some builders may not like the idea of having to use a
franchised hauler, and would prefer to have a choice of haulers, including the flexibility to use a
specialized hauler that offers other services in addition to recycling (e.g., jobsite cleanup, flood control
measures, etc.) You will need to consider the various hauler options that are available in your jurisdiction
and to determine what would work best for your situation.

Contractors
Contractors for both building and demolition may be more receptive to a C&D diversion ordinance, and
will have an easier time complying, if any forms required are easy to complete and similar to any forms
required in surrounding jurisdictions. Because contractors will likely be primary the parties complying with
your C&D diversion program, it is crucial that they be invited to participate throughout the development
and adoption process of your ordinance, through public announcements, council meetings and meetings
prior to construction, with jurisdiction staff and project managers. This will help to ensure that all parties
are aware of the C&D ordinance requirements and can provide their input and suggestions for
consideration.

Also, it is possible that contractors who work in your jurisdiction may already be recycling their C&D
material, and you may want to take that into consideration when drafting an ordinance. This will help the
adoption and implementation phases go more smoothly, and ultimately should contribute to the success
of your ordinance.

Solid Waste Joint Powers Authority

Consultations with a local solid waste joint powers authority may provide feedback on available outreach
materials (or those that would be useful) and methods for, or questions on, ordinance implementation. In
other words, why reinvent the wheel, when you can learn from your peers experience?

Jurisdictions Attorney
Your jurisdiction's attorney may help you develop and/or refine ordinance language, as well as to identify
any potential restraints on enforcement options to include in the ordinance, such as penalties and fines,
and deposit requirements. General law cities and counties especially should work with their jurisdictions
attorney when developing the ordinance to make sure there are no limitations with including a deposit
requirement in your ordinance, or fines/penalties for noncompliance.
Jurisdiction Staff (e.g., Building and Engineering Departments)
Input from staff in your jurisdiction who will be responsible for implementing the ordinance is integral to
the successful implementation of your ordinance. Staff will be able to provide input regarding workload
impact, ideas for ensuring contractor compliance, and information on how they currently handle public
C&D projects. Knowing the concerns of staff that will be implementing the ordinance will be invaluable, as
the task of education and outreach regarding compliance with the ordinance will likely be left to them.

A frequent concern with implementing a C&D diversion ordinance is the staff time involved with
implementing it. One jurisdiction with a C&D ordinance found it helpful to assign one or two staff to
provide outreach and education in the beginning of the implementation phase, but as time went on, less
staff time was necessary as the affected community became more familiar with the ordinance.
Jurisdictions in surrounding areas that may already have a C&D ordinance, or are thinking of adopting
one are also a valuable source of input.

Bottom Line
You will likely have a more successful ordinance if you include all parties that may be involved with
implementing and complying with your ordinance during the development phase. It is important to know
what the potential concerns and issues are of staff, contractors, haulers, and diversion facility operators
prior to ordinance adoption and implementation. Conversely, not consulting with the impacted parties in
the development phase may lead to unnecessary challenges down the line for jurisdiction staff
implementing the ordinance, or for contractors who have to comply with it and ultimately could make your
C&D debris diversions efforts less successful than they otherwise would have been.

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