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Construction and Demolition Waste Reduction Toolkit

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Recycling and reusing building materials has cost-saving incentives, saves trees, conserves landfill space, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports affordable housing.

Metro Vancouver created the Construction and Demolition Waste Toolkit to help contractors, project managers, and home owners find:

  • Alternatives to traditional demolition
  • Ways to reuse and recycle building materials
  • Construction and demolition facilities, recycling depots, and service providers
  • Resources for the management of hazardous materials commonly found in construction sites
For information about municipal requirements and contact information, visit Construction and Demolition Waste, Recycling, and Reuse.

Find information about construction and demolition waste management, including where to take items for disposal, how to estimate the cost, and best practices for managing hazardous materials.​​

 

 

How to plan for construction and demolition waste managementHow to plan for construction and demolition waste management<div class="ExternalClass98AA4795D3984A5F80C83B67CE36A617"><p>Construction waste is clean and easy to sort at each stage of construction. For example, most wood waste is produced during framing and cardboard packaging is generated when interior finishes and appliances are installed.<br></p><p>With planning, new construction projects in the region have been able to reuse or recycle more than 75 per cent of their potential waste materials, saving builders’ money on disposal costs and keeping usable materials out of the landfill.</p><p> <strong>Renovation and demolition waste</strong></p><p>Aim to complete these steps four to eight weeks before demolition or renovation work begins:</p><ul><li>List all materials that may need recycling or disposal</li><li>Ensure a hazardous materials survey is completed by a <a href="https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/education-training-certification/asbestos-training-certification-licensing/find-licensed-contractors" target="_blank">qualified professional</a></li><li>For renovation projects, look for opportunities to avoid complete replacement — updates such as resurfacing with new paint or repairing in-place can produce similar outcomes and save on cost</li><li> Identify salvage opportunities before the materials are removed​ — refer to the <a href="/services/solid-waste/Documents/service-providers-directory.pdf" target="_blank">Service Provider Directory</a> for options and ask a contractor or reuse store to help determine which can be reused. Find a list of reusable materials in the “Recycling and reuse” section</li><li> Identify opportunities to recycle materials that are not reusable and find facilities on <a href="https://recycling.metrovancouver.org/" target="_blank">Metro Vancouver Recycles </a> that accept materials so they can be moved off site quickly following demolition. Refer to the <a href="/services/solid-waste/Documents/recycling-depots-and-facilities-directory.pdf" target="_blank">Recycling Depot and Facility Directory</a> for options</li><li>Find facilities that take your non-hazardous leftover job-site materials for disposal — landfills accept a variety of materials but some are prohibited and restricted. Refer to the “Where to take materials for disposal section” for more information and confirm with the facility before delivering residuals</li></ul></div>
Calculate the waste generated by your residential demolition projectCalculate the waste generated by your residential demolition project<div class="ExternalClass71B9B75B9EE14D36B642A7657C327838"><p>Use the <a href="/services/solid-waste/demolition-waste-generation-rates-calculator" target="_blank" title="Demolition Waste Generation Rates Calculator">Demolition Waste Generation Rates Calculator</a> to estimate the weight of each type of waste material generated at a demolition site. It can also calculate the minimum amount of demolition waste (by weight) that must be recycled or reused to fulfill recycling requirements.<br></p></div>
How to set up a recycling and waste program at your siteHow to set up a recycling and waste program at your site<div class="ExternalClass698BF6A8A7D5463BB7D1118FDA19E20E"><p>The <a href="/services/solid-waste/Documents/recycling-and-waste-management-setup-guide.pdf" target="_blank">Recycling and Waste Management Setup Guide</a>​ contains helpful tips when planning storage and transport of recyclable and discarded materials at your site. </p></div>
Where to take materials for disposalWhere to take materials for disposal<div class="ExternalClass0D59F1699E35434D9F4E162589B46460"><p>Residuals are non-hazardous building materials that cannot be reused or recycled — they need to be disposed of properly. Find information on facilities that take larger quantities of construction and demolition materials for disposal in Metro Vancouver:</p><ul class="fa-ul"><li> <span class="fa-li"> <i class="fa-light fa-link"></i></span><a href="https://ecowaste.com/" target="_blank" title="Ecowaste Landfill (Richmond)">Ecowaste Landfill (Richmond)</a></li><li> <span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-link"></i></span><a href="https://vancouver.ca/doing-business/construction-and-demolition-waste.aspx" target="_blank" title="Vancouver Landfill">Vancouver Landfill</a></li><li>​​​<span class="fa-li">​<i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/services/solid-waste/Documents/solid-waste-active-licence-list.pdf" target="_blank" title="Metro Vancouver Licensed Solid Waste and Recyclable Material Facilities">Metro Vancouver Licensed Solid Waste and Recyclable Material Facilities</a></li>​​</ul></div>
How to dispose of hazardous wasteHow to dispose of hazardous waste<div class="ExternalClass3B46AD27DEDE4A4A986881C675C59DDD"><p>Hazardous materials should be identified early in the process to protect workers and allow for proper removal and disposal. Before any demolition work begins, a hazardous materials survey must be completed by a qualified person to: ​</p><ul><li>Protect the health and safety of workers, the community, and the environment</li><li>Comply with <a href="https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupational-health-safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-regulation/part-06-substance-specific-requirements" target="_blank">BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation</a></li></ul><p>Construction and demolition wastes, especially those that contain hazardous materials, should never be dumped onto the street, ground, or into the sewer system. Hazardous waste materials must be properly managed and disposed of in compliance with the <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/hazardous-waste/legislation-regulations" target="_blank">Hazardous Waste Regulation</a> and <a href="http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/03053_00" target="_blank">BC Environmental Management Act</a>.</p><p>Some member jurisdictions require the main applicant to submit a Hazardous Materials Report before a demolition permit is issued. Contact your municipality to learn more about specific requirements of hazardous waste management for your project.</p><p>Call 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253) for information on hazardous waste management contractors and laboratory testing services.</p><div class="uk-overflow-auto">​​ <table class="uk-table uk-table-small uk-table-divider uk-table-hover mv-border-slate mv-table-heading-slate mv-table-border uk-table-striped"><thead><tr><th colspan="2">Common hazardous materials at construction and demolition sites</th></tr><tr><th>Material Type</th><th>Possible sources​​</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>​​Asbestos</td><td>Roof shingles, pipe insulation, pipe tape, ceiling tile, drywall joint compound, vinyl sheet flooring, vinyl tiles, lag pipe, stucco, insulation asbestos board, and linoleum</td></tr><tr><td>Abandoned chemicals</td><td>Paint, solvents, oils, cleaning products, flammable and combustible substances like gasoline, pesticides, herbicides, and medications. Underground storage tanks for heating and cooling systems​</td></tr><tr><td>​​Freon</td><td>Cooling equipment</td></tr><tr><td>Formaldehyde</td><td>Glues in particleboard or interior-grade plywood. Some glues and varnishes release formaldehyde gas when they are heated</td></tr><tr><td>​​Isocyanates</td><td>Spray foam insulation in walls and rooms</td></tr><tr><td>Lead</td><td>Fences, porches, sidings, walls, doors, ceilings and window sills, stairs, banisters, painted built-ins (bookcases, shelves), and paint or solvent wastes abandoned in the building prior to and during occupancy​</td></tr><tr><td>​​Mercury</td><td>Switches, toggles, transformers, high-intensity discharge lamps, and thermostats</td></tr><tr><td>Silica</td><td>Concrete, concrete block, cement, mortar, masonry, tiles, brick, refractory brick, composite products such as Hardiplank, granite, sand, fill dirt, top soil, asphalt containing rock or stone, and abrasive used for blasting​<br></td></tr></tbody></table>​ </div></div>

If a site has an existing structure that needs to be removed, there are several alternatives to demolition including adaptive reuse, house moving, deconstruction, salvage, and reuse of building materials.

Explore the possibilities — view recent projects that saved on costs or resources through these methods.​​​​

 

 

Deconstruction Case Studieshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/Documents/deconstruction-case-studies.pdf, Deconstruction Case StudiesDeconstruction Case Studies
Home Moving Case Studyhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/Documents/home-moving-case-study.pdf, Home Moving Case StudyHome Moving Case Study

 

 

Adaptive reuse and house movingAdaptive reuse and house moving<div class="ExternalClass70F2D642CE974823A1541C48ED5F1FE5"><p>Adaptive reuse involves restoring a heritage building for a different purpose than it was designed. House moving involves taking a house or building from the original location and moving it intact to a new location, where it can be used for the same or a different purpose than it was designed for.</p><p>These options help preserve historical architecture, reduce waste, offset consumption of raw materials required for new construction, and create lower cost housing opportunities when the homes are relocated. A house moving contractor can help you determine if building relocation is appropriate for your project.</p></div>
Heritage buildingsHeritage buildings<div class="ExternalClassE69674F124184D7CAB32BCD9DBEDDCB9"><p>Find information and examples of projects where older buildings in British Columbia were restored, visit <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/construction-industry/renovation-rehabilitation/rehabilitated-heritage-buildings" target="_blank">Rehabilitated Heritage Buildings</a>. Contact <a href="mailto:heritage@gov.bc.ca" target="_blank">heritage@gov.bc.ca</a> for any questions about adapting or restoring a heritage building.</p></div>
DeconstructionDeconstruction<div class="ExternalClass8E6266EC853E44D1978A761754983E15"><p>If a building cannot be restored or relocated, consider deconstructing the structure — in a typical home deconstruction, up to 25 per cent of materials can be reused and up to 70 per cent of materials can be recycled.</p><p>​Using this method, buildings are systematically taken apart, typically by hand. Keeping building materials intact and separated, makes them easier to reuse and recycle. Deconstruction also increases opportunities to remove hidden hazardous materials, is quieter, and reduces dust generation. A deconstruction contractor can help determine if full deconstruction is suitable for your project. </p></div>
Salvage and reuse of building materialsSalvage and reuse of building materials<div class="ExternalClassD7E3C5F2140E4014B5BF192ECAA724D1"><p>Building materials and architectural pieces can be recovered, reused onsite, taken to used building materials stores, donated to non-profit organizations, or sold directly to local builders. An appraiser can help identify materials that can be recovered and estimate the value of items that can be donated to charity.</p><p>Reclaimed building materials can add character to your home, support local small businesses, and reduce a project's carbon footprint. Reclaimed lumber is highly valuable and can be reused as flooring, wall cladding, or to manufacture furniture.</p><p>Examples of reusable materials</p><ul><li>Appliances (good working order, clean)</li><li>Architectural details (columns, mantels, mouldings)</li><li>Barn wood boards and fences</li><li>Bricks, stone, and cinderblock</li><li>Cabinets</li><li>Doors</li><li>Hardwood flooring</li><li>Lighting and electrical equipment</li><li>Lumber</li><li>Mirrors (framed)</li><li>Plumbing fixtures and fittings (faucets, sinks, bathtubs, and bathroom accessories)</li><li>Railings and gates</li><li>Windows </li> </ul>​<br></div>
Where to take materials for recycling and reuseWhere to take materials for recycling and reuse<div class="ExternalClass651C12F41FD444628764F337E03346F3"><p>Materials separated by source have a greater potential to be reused or recycled when taken to a processing facility and fees are generally lower. Identifying opportunities to separate unwanted construction materials early in the process can save time and money. </p><p>A number of private facilities accept building materials for recycling in the region. Metro Vancouver bans the disposal of readily recyclable or operationally hazardous materials at regional facilities.</p><p> <strong>Where to take building materials for recycling and reuse​</strong></p><p>Contact the facilities or processors in these directories to confirm they can handle the materials in your project. These local public and private facilities and recycling depots will only accept separated recyclable materials, unless indicated otherwise. For any questions​, broken links, or out-of-date information, contact <a href="mailto:icentre@metrovancouver.org" target="_blank">icentre@metrovancouver.org</a>.</p><p>​Call 604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253) for information on local haulers.​<br></p><p>For information about recycling depots, facilities, and what materials are accepted, view the <a href="/services/solid-waste/Documents/recycling-depots-and-facilities-directory.pdf" target="_blank" title="Recycling Depots and Facilities Directory">Recycling Depots and Facilities Directory</a>.​​</p><p>For more information on deconstruction, house moving,​ and salvage service providers, view the ​<a href="/services/solid-waste/Documents/service-providers-directory.pdf" target="_blank" title="Service Provider Directory">Service Provider Directory</a>.<br></p><p>New gypsum and clean wood can also be recycled, refer to these resources:​​​​</p></div><div class="ExternalClass651C12F41FD444628764F337E03346F3"><ul class="fa-ul"><li>​ <span class="fa-li">​<i class="fa-light fa-link"></i></span><a href="/services/solid-waste/used-gypsum-disposal-program" target="_blank" title="New Gypsum Recycling Program">New Gypsum Recycling Program​</a></li><li> <span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-link"></i></span><a href="/services/solid-waste/Documents/clean-wood-disposal-ban-info-card.pdf#search=clean%20wood%20recycling" target="_blank" title="Clean Wood Recycling Program">Clean Wood Recycling Program</a>​​​<br></li></ul><table class="uk-table uk-table-small uk-table-divider uk-table-hover mv-border-slate mv-table-heading-slate mv-table-border uk-table-striped"><thead><tr><th>Material Type</th><th>Examples</th><th>Reuse</th><th>Recycling</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Appliances</td><td>Fridges, stoves, washers, dryers</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Architectural details</td><td>Columns, fireplace mantels, mouldings​</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Bricks/ blocks</td><td>Clay bricks, concrete precast, aerated blocks, stones block</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Carpet</td><td>Carpet, areas rugs, carpet underlap</td><td></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Concrete/ Asphalt/ Aggregates</td><td>Structural concrete, cinder blocks, asphalt pavement, bricks, washout from mixer trucks</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i> <br>Crush on site and use as fill material</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Drywall</td><td>New gypsum wallboard off cuts Asbestos-free used gypsum wallboard</td><td></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Electrical Equipment</td><td>Circuit breakers, breaker boxes, switches</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Finished goods</td><td>Doors, windows, cabinets, counter tops</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Gates and Railings</td><td>Security gates, decorative gates, hand rails</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Glass</td><td>Windows, structural glass, mirrors</td><td></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Heating/ Cooling</td><td>HVAC ducts, furnaces, boilers, AC units</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Lighting</td><td>Light fixtures, tracks</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Metals</td><td>Piping, aluminum siding, banding, wire, cable, rebar, window frames, metal cabinets and shelves</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Wood</td><td>Forming lumber, dimensional lumber, painted wood, composite, pallets, flooring</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Paper</td><td>Cardboard from packaging, office paper, newspaper</td><td></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Plastics</td><td>Empty pails and containers, plastic film, pipes</td><td></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Plumbing</td><td>Plumbing fixtures, Sinks, facets, tubs, shower stalls</td><td></td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Land clearing debris</td><td>Stumps, branches, yard waste</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i> <br>Can be chipped on site and used as mulch</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr><tr><td>Existing vegetation</td><td>Shrubs, small trees, plants and sod</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i> <br>Replant</td><td> <i class="fa-light fa-check"></i></td></tr></tbody></table>​​​ ​​<br>​ </div>

 Related links

 

 

Construction and Demolition — Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkit (Print Edition)https://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/Documents/construction-and-demolitionwaste-reduction-and-recycling-toolkit.pdf, Construction and Demolition — Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkit (Print Edition)Construction and Demolition — Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkit (Print Edition)
Residential Demolition Waste Generation Rates Calculatorhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/demolition-waste-generation-rates-calculator, Residential Demolition Waste Generation Rates CalculatorResidential Demolition Waste Generation Rates Calculator

 Resources

 

 

BC Environmental Management Acthttps://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/03053_00, BC Environmental Management ActBC Environmental Management Act
BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulationhttps://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupational-health-safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-regulation/part-06-substance-specific-requirements, BC Occupational Health and Safety RegulationBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
Recycling and Waste Management Setup Guidehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/Documents/recycling-and-waste-management-setup-guide.pdf, Recycling and Waste Management Setup GuideRecycling and Waste Management Setup Guide
Recycling Depot and Facility Directoryhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/Documents/recycling-depots-and-facilities-directory.pdf, Recycling Depot and Facility DirectoryRecycling Depot and Facility Directory
Service Provider Directoryhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/Documents/service-providers-directory.pdf, Service Provider DirectoryService Provider Directory
Deconstruction Case Studieshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/Documents/deconstruction-case-studies.pdf, Deconstruction Case StudiesDeconstruction Case Studies
Home Moving Case Studyhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/Documents/home-moving-case-study.pdf, Home Moving Case StudyHome Moving Case Study
Clean Wood Recycling Rack Cardhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/Documents/clean-wood-disposal-ban-info-card.pdf#search=clean%20wood%20recycling, Clean Wood Recycling Rack CardClean Wood Recycling Rack Card
Used Gypsum Disposal and New Gypsum Recycling Programshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/used-gypsum-disposal-program, Used Gypsum Disposal and New Gypsum Recycling ProgramsUsed Gypsum Disposal and New Gypsum Recycling Programs
BC Hazardous Waste Regulationhttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/hazardous-waste/legislation-regulations, BC Hazardous Waste RegulationBC Hazardous Waste Regulation

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