Recycling Construction Waste

After taking steps to prevent waste and salvage and reuse materials, the next step is to recycle as much of the remaining material as possible. Here are some tips for reducing construction waste through recycling:

Waste Management Plan

Create a plan that sets a waste reduction and recycling goal for your project and identifies strategies to reach that goal. Check out a sample waste management plan and other resources from King County, Washington.

Recycle Construction and Demolition Materials

Recycle materials by separating them onsite and taking them to recycling facilities or commingling them and hauling them to a materials recovery facility.

Where to take materials to be reused or recycled

Construction MaterialsWood, concrete, metal, plastic and other materialsWeb tool for locations and lists of accepted materials
PaintLatex paintMore information
ElectronicsOregon law requires recycling of television, computers, laptops and monitors. Lane County also offers free recycling of other electronicsMore information
Fluorescent lightingCompact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and linear fluorescent tubes (four foot maximum)More information
AsbestosMany building materials manufactured before 1987 contain asbestosHow to dispose of asbestos properly