Construction and Demolition Waste

Construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) includes all wastes arising from construction/building industries, demolition or directly, to man or the environment. It can include waste building materials, dredging materials, tree stumps, and rubble resulting from construction, remodeling, repair, and demolition of homes, commercial buildings and other structures and pavements. C&D waste may contain lead, asbestos, or other hazardous substances.

Certain components of C&D waste such as plasterboard are hazardous once landfilled. Plasterboard is broken down in landfill conditions releasing hydrogen sulphide, a toxic gas.

There is the potential to recycle many elements of C&D waste. Rubble can be crushed and reused in construction projects. Waste wood can also be recovered and recycled.