The U.S. economy generates about 178 million tons of construction and demolition (C&D) waste annually. Of that, an estimated 53.4 million tons or 30 percent goes to C&D recycling facilities.
C&D materials include concrete, metal, wood, plastics, cardboard, wallboard and various roofing materials. “Mostly, you get wood, metal, and concrete,” says Patti W. Hamilton, vice president and director of business development with Lantana, Fla.-based Southern Waste Systems LLC.