Page 370 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

348 CONSTRUCTION APPLICATIONS

■ Help your community meet local and state waste reduction goals—Many commu-
nities have established waste reduction goals, since construction and demolition
projects generate a large amount of debris. Finding new uses or recycling these
materials can significantly help in these efforts.

24.5 Potential Technologies

and Strategies

Tools available include jobsite waste guidelines, a waste management plan template,
sample waste recycling specifications, directory of local construction waste recyclers,
and more. Available assistance includes presentations to jobsite workers on building
material reuse, salvage, and recycling, site visits to assess diversion options, and
research on recycling options for hard-to-recycle commodities.
There are several key tips to build a successful construction and demolition diver-
sion program. Preventing waste and practicing recycling pays off by lowering supply
and disposal costs. But even when a sound waste management plan has been imple-
mented, difficulties may still arise. Here are solutions to some common challenges:

Manage your program—Designate a leader, either an individual or a team, who will
be responsible for educating the crew and subcontractors, setting up the site and
coordinating and supervising recycling efforts to prevent the contamination of recy-
cling loads. The development of a waste management plan will also help keep the
solid waste minimized and diverted from landfills. The plan should consist of iden-
tifying the types of debris that will be generated by the project and identifying how
all waste streams will be handled. To finalize the plan, all receipts from reuse, recy-
cling, and disposal activities must be submitted.

Involve subcontractors—Require subcontractors to use the on-site recycling and
disposal bins or require them to recycle their own waste and provide documentation.

Find appropriate space—Recycling and reuse efforts require space. Set aside an
area of the jobsite to store salvaged building materials and house recycling bins for
either commingled or source-separated loads.

Promote and educate—Communicate your plan to the crew and subcontractors on
site. They will need to know:
■ How materials should be separated?
■ Where materials should go?
■ How often the materials will be collected and delivered to the appropriate
facilities?
■ Include waste-handling requirements and expectations in all project documents.

Prevent contamination—Adopt strategies to prevent contamination, such as
■ Clearly label the recycling bins and waste containers on site.
■ Post lists of recyclable and nonrecyclable materials.