Though New York City strictly enforces disposition of construction and demolition debris, it encourages but does not require recycling of C&D waste. R. Baker & Son is wholly committed to reuse and recycling of demolition debris to ease environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and save energy. Demolition waste materials that are currently recycled include asphalt, brick, corrugated cardboard, carpet, concrete, drywall, film plastic, fluorescent lamps, glass, land clearing debris, metal, pallets, roofing, and wood. Renovation, demolition and dismantling projects may also yield salvageable materials that can be reused, such as appliances, architectural features, circuit breakers, office furniture, windows and doors, and wood timbers. Certain solid waste cannot be categorized as construction and demolition debris. This can include asbestos, fluorescent lights, carpeting, etc.
Currently, there are eighty regulated construction and demolition waste processing facilities in New York State, and 280 registered C&D waste processing facilities. Registered facilities process wood, concrete, masonry, steel, asphalt, brick, soil, and rock that are uncontaminated. In 2010 these facilities processed 11.5 million tons of construction and demolition debris and recovered about 6.3 million tons of material.
As part of our commitment to divert construction and demolition debris from landfills and incineration facilities, R. Baker & Son is 100% LEED compliant and ensures that clients receive all LEED rating points (up to 14 points) available in our portion of a project. Recycling and/or salvage of C&D debris can earn 1-2 LEED points. Diversion of 50% of demolition waste is worth 1 point, and 75% earns 2 points. Non-LEED projects may also qualify for LEED points if construction and demolition debris is appropriately recycled or salvaged.
photo courtesy of USGBC
