Strategies for successful construction and demolition waste recycling operations

Abstract

Establishing a successful construction/demolition (C&D) waste recyling operation in the USA is a challenge today, especially because secondary materials markets have not yet matured. Increasingly, municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill operations refuse to accept C&D waste. Skyrocketing tipping fees due to the scarcity of landfill sites, and growing concerns from regulatory agencies and the public, have placed C&D waste recycling operations under intense scrutiny. The experiences of regional C&D recyclers indicate that successful recycling operations require a minimum of 0.8 ha of clear space for processing equipment, incoming waste stockpiles, recycled materials, and manoeuvring room for mobile equipment and operations. Reasonable quality, reliable equipment suitable for these operations generally costs between $300 000 and $750 000 for a 400–500 tonne/day operation. At present, operators of these facilities make a profit almost solely on tipping fees, with the recycling operation functioning mainly to maintain materials throughput. Different categories of C&D recycling machinery and waste processing strategies are presented. Strategies for converting C&D landfills into successful C&D recycling operations are also examined. C&D waste recycling economics are presented to demonstrate the essential ingredients for successful operations.