Recycling is a State of
Mind
A Little Research Helps Build a Recycling Mentality at the Jobsite
By Katherine Romano, Columbia County Recylcing Coordinator
As the County's
population and building activity grows, it is becoming increasingly
important to look at the way that construction and demolition
(C&D) debris is managed. C&D is the waste that is produced
when new structures are built or when existing structures are
renovated or demolished.
C&D waste varies greatly by season, location, and type of
project, but generally includes wood, asphalt, dirt, drywall,
metal, roofing, concrete, and miscellaneous materials such as
insulation, plastic, paper, caulking tubes and glass.
Many of these materials are being recycled by contractors and
homeowners, but most of the waste is landfilled, some of which
could prevented or recovered, especially in remodeling jobs. Recycling,
salvaging, and reusing C&D can cut disposal costs, save landfill
space, and reduce the amount of raw materials needed for new projects.
The first step, especially in the design stages, is to research
source reduction opportunities. One such technique is called "advanced
framing,"used mainly in residential building, which places
studs further apart (24 inches on center). This simple technique
uses less lumber, improves energy efficiency, & cuts purchasing
costs.
Furthermore, spacing of floor joists can be increased, header
sizes reduced, and windows and doors coordinated with studs.
Using standard lengths and sheet sizes (in lumber, masonry block,
plywood, floor tiles, etc.) reduces the amount of scrap produced.
Consider using prefabricated or leased materials, or salvaging
used materials into the design. There are also many places in
Portland (such as the Rebuilding Center) that sell used materials
to those who are remodeling.
The next step is to research recycling and disposal options before
starting any job to determine which materials should be separated
for salvage, reuse, or recycling. Salvageable items should be
removed as early in the project as possible. Hazardous materials
(such as mercury thermostats, switches, and lamps, lead pipes,
and roof flashings) should also be removed for maximum recovery
value. In the demolition phases, "deconstructing" (demolition
done with machines, but assisted by people) will allow more materials
to be reused rather than discarded.
Brick, concrete, and other masonry materials can often be reused
if still intact. Mobile grinding units break down concrete and
brick which then can be used as subbase material or backfill on
site. If hauling C&D to a processor, consider backhauling
fine material, which can also be used as fill.
Wood waste can be prevented and wood reuse promoted by centralizing
the location of cutting operations and encouraging the use of
cutoffs. Wood and drywall that cannot be reused can be converted
into mulch or landscaping material.
Gypsum wallboard that is efficiently installed will leave minimal
scrap. Scrap can be used around doors and windows or placed inside
wall cavities.
Carpet leftovers can be reused in areas such as basements. Some
old carpeting will be taken back by manufacturers. Carpeting can
also be leased (by companies such as Interface Flooring Co.).
Old ceiling tiles may be able to be reclaimed by companies such
as Armstrong World Industries, Inc., which uses them as feedstock
in the manufacture of new ceiling tiles.
Contact your County Recycling Coordinator at 397-1501 or at romanok@co.columbia.or.us
for an updated list of C&D salvage and recycling locations,
for a recycled-content building materials guide, or for a list
of green remodeling tips.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Katherine Romano at 503-397-1501 or visit the County's new recycling Web site at: www.columbia-center. org/recycling.
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