Construction, Renovation and Demolition Waste

Here are a few facts on construction, renovation and demolition (CRD) waste:

• Recycling CRD dates from the time of the Romans, who, when rebuilding their roads, would reuse the stones from the previous road.
• In North America, CRD debris makes up between 25% and 45% of the waste stream.
• Less than 25% of North American CRD debris is recycled.
• The CRD industry is the largest generator of wood wastes.
• Alberta's waste diversion rate fell from 29% in 1995 to 21% in 1997, in part because of an increase in CRD activity.
• The Netherlands recycled 75% of its CRD materials in 1999 and requires a 100% CRD recycling rate by the end of 2000.

We have more information on CRD waste:

• What is construction, renovation and demolition waste?
• What is CRD waste composed of, and what can be recycled?
• Check out our table of options for reusing and recycling construction and demolition wastes.
• There are a variety of municipal options for handling CRD waste.
• An estimated eight percent of construction and demolition waste is metal.
• Ontario has no immediate plans for CRD waste diversion, relying only on old regulations.
• Composting as a solution for CRD waste? Could plywood be chipped and composted?
• Drywall - what it is, and what can be done to recycle it.
• Asphalt shingles - difficulties with recycling.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStores - Even the kitchen sink!
• Finding markets for CRD materials
• Editorial - Child's Play

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