Enviropundit: Green Building Blog

Construction Waste

Searchable National Database of Construction Waste Recyclers Available Online

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has recently updated its online Construction Waste Management Database to assist the building
industry in reducing construction and demolition waste. Recyclers of construction and demolition waste may advertise their services free on this site. Access the database at to include your company's information. The U.S. EPA estimates that each year 136 million tons of construction and demolition waste are generated in the United States. GSA's Construction Waste Management program promotes the responsible disposal of this waste, including concrete, asphalt, masonry, wood, and other materials, much of which can be recycled or processed for reuse if handled properly.

Created in 2002 by GSA's Environmental Strategies and Safety Division, the Construction Waste Management Database is a free online service for
those seeking information on companies that haul, collect and process debris from construction projects. To assist end-users, the database has also been improved to allow searches by state and zip code and by over 15 commonly-recycled construction waste materials.

The database is currently housed on the Whole Building Design Guide, a web-based portal providing government and industry practitioners with one-stop access to information on a wide range of building-related guidance, criteria and technology. Visit the Whole Building Design Guide at to learn more.

Emphasis Added.

Waste is still a major problem with construction, and it truly is a good thing that it is covered in LEED. There are some voluntary programs that contractors can take advatage of, but having a formal incentive program is a better way to raise awareness of this issue.

| Jacqui |