Overcoming Barriers to P2 and Recycling for Construction Waste

Estimates of construction and demolition (C&D) waste entering landfills range from 20 to 33% of the total waste stream volume. Although waste estimates are difficult to verify, it is clear that, even at the low end of this estimate range, there is significant potential for diverting C&D materials from landfills. A study by the California Environmental Protection Agency (2006) found that new residential construction comprised about 10% of the C&D waste stream. Although much of the construction waste that currently and typically goes to landfill can be recovered, effective waste management in the residential construction industry remains an elusive goal. Guided by the ADOP2TTM model (Lindsey, 1998, 1999) for diffusion of innovation, this research project worked toward accelerating the adoption of waste minimization and pollution prevention (P2)/recycling practices by Illinois home builders. Major phases of the study included: establishing partnerships with home builders in two Illinois counties; identifying and quantifying typical waste streams from residential construction; identifying priority waste materials for P2/recycling, local best management practices, and barriers to P2/recycling faced by home builders; implementing P2/recycling demonstration projects in two counties; developing case study fact sheets to document the procedures and results; and disseminating the results of the demonstration projects.