Waste Reduction for Demolition and Renovations

Looking for information on waste reduction for renovations/demolitions.

The issue is partly to do with the total waste material generated but more to do with diverting it from landfill. In the GVRD about 67%% of construction waste is diverted to other uses. On some projects (not houses) we are getting over 90% diversion rates.

If you go by any large demolition site you will regularly see things like rebar and concrete being separated, clean wood waste collected etc.It is normal practice where volumes are large enough to warrant 40cu yard bins (not always the case with home renos, etc). Maple Leaf or Super Sapve are two waste recyclers who are proficient at collecting and sorting waste. This trend is growing with the use of green rating systems such as LEED and BuiltGreen which demand on-site recycling.

There are a number of studies by CMHC and the GVRD on this issue but as with most things, it depends on the size and construction of the house. The GVRD Buildsmart program has some demolition case studies on its website. You can also talk to Wilbert Yang or Mike Stringer at the GVRD who have been working on a demolition and land clearing strategy for the region. Another person to talk to is Peter Simpson, president of the GVHBA, who has done the House strip thing and has lots to share on this issue.