Construction and demolition (C&D) debris is non-hazardous solid waste generated during the construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition of homes, buildings, roads, and bridges. C&D debris includes:

• Kitchen cabinets and sinks;
• Bathroom sinks, vanities, tubs and toilets;
• Doors;
• Energy-efficient windows;
• Hardwood flooring;
• Stone or solid-surface countertops
• Lighting fixtures;
• Furniture;
• Non-hazardous painted, treated, and coated wood;
• Gypsum wallboard;
• Working, newer appliances; 
• Bricks, concrete, rock, and other masonry material; and
• Landscape material.

C&D debris comprises a significant waste stream. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 600 million tons of C&D debris was generated nationwide in 2018 – more than twice the total amount of municipal solid waste created. Given that amount, some states, and municipalities have implemented mandatory recovery requirements for C&D debris.

In South Carolina, more than 3.6 million tons of C&D debris were disposed of in fiscal year 2020 (July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020) – accounting for more than 38 percent of the total solid waste thrown away in the state.

Most C&D debris, however, can be diverted from disposal and converted into productive uses. The environmental and economic benefits include:

• Reducing waste;
• Avoiding extraction of raw material;
• Conserving resources; 
• Saving landfill space;
• Helping create local jobs;
• Supporting local markets and businesses; 
• Earning revenue from the sale of salvaged material; and
• Saving money. 

Proper Management of C&D Debris

Builders/contractors and residents can reduce C&D debris disposal through best management practices such as source reduction, salvaging, reuse, and recycling. Learn more at the following links:

• Builders/Contractors
• Residents

The sustainable management of C&D debris helps all stakeholders save money. Builders/contractors can reduce costs through avoided disposal fees and/or not having to buy additional material. Homeowners may be able to lower building or renovation costs as well as qualify for a tax benefit when recovered material is donated to qualified 501(c)(3) non-profits.

Additional Information

Asbestos

Builders/contractors and residents should be aware of the required management of asbestos-containing material. Learn more about asbestos.

C&D Debris on Personal Property

Homeowners never should allow or use C&D debris – including concrete – on their property to fill a ravine or gully without checking with SCDES for permitting requirements. If improperly managed, the landowner may be subject to a fine.

Secure Vehicle Loads

Builders/contractors and residents are required by law to secure all loads of material to prevent any from escaping the vehicle. Learn more about South Carolina litter laws.

Resources

Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) is a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on market-based solutions that increase landfill diversion and recycling of post-consumer carpet. 

Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA) promotes the environmentally sound recycling of recoverable C&D material. CDRA also offers in-depth information on commodities such as gypsum wallboard and concrete.

C&D Recycling is a bi-monthly magazine, e-newsletter, and website that provides the latest industry information and insight on best management practices, trends, equipment, and more.

S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) offers information on a variety of C&D debris-related topics, which include:

• Comprehensive clearinghouse on asbestos management, rules, regulations, and requirements,
• Listing of all C&D debris recyclers and solid waste processors that accept C&D debris in South Carolina,
• Listing of all Class 2 landfills that accept C&D debris,
• C&D debris project planning tools for Builders/Contractors, and
• S.C. Recycling Markets Directory.

Southern Waste Information Exchange (SWIX) is a free service designed to help businesses, industries, and other organizations find markets for material traditionally discarded. Registered users can post both wanted and available material. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a comprehensive clearinghouse of information on the sustainable management of C&D material. Topics include source reduction, reducing material use, deconstruction, salvaging and reusing, recycling, and rebuying C&D debris. Check out EPA’s new video on deconstruction to learn more about the work of Lifecycle Building Center in Atlanta.