Waste Management Update #1: Remodeling

by NAHB Research Center

In 1995, $115 billion was spent on remodeling, equal to nearly 75% of new home expenditures. In a biannual survey of owner occupants, nearly 50% had undertaken a remodeling project in the last two years with an average of 1.5 projects per household during these two years. Remodeling activities include various maintenance and repair (e.g., reroofing or residing) and improvement (e.g., additions, kitchen remodel, etc.) projects.

Remodeling typically generates more waste per square foot than new construction's estimated 3-4 lbs/ft². This is largely due to the added demolition which is common in remodeling projects. Because remodeling may involve any and all aspects of construction and/or demolition, remodeling waste can consist of all types of construction and demolition (C&D) debris: household fixtures and finished building materials (e.g., sinks or countertops), leftover building supplies (e.g., lumber), or demolition waste (e.g., painted drywall).

ALTERNATIVES TO DISPOSAL

Reduction. Because wood is the largest share of the waste stream, the most significant opportunity for reducing waste is through efficient framing techniques: designing on the two foot module; reducing header sizes; increasing spacing of joists, rafters, or studs (16", 19.5", or 24"oc), etc. (See the NAHB Research Center's publication, Cost-Effective Home Building, for details). Re-examining take-off estimation techniques in order to reduce material purchases may also result in less waste being generated.

Reuse. Remodeling frequently involves the replacement of working fixtures and equipment (e.g., sinks and cabinets). Reusable items may be sold through classified ads or a yard/garage sale. Items can also be given away curbside or donated to a charitable organization which may prove tax deductible. Both for-profit and non-profit reuse centers are emerging which specifically handle used building materials and sell to either the general public or the low-income community.

Recycling. Large remodeling projects present the greatest potential for recycling because of the larger quantities of waste which are generated. Waste management techniques tailored for use in new construction may prove cost-effective in such large projects. Examples include source separation, passive time separation, commingled recovery, and subcontractor responsibility for disposal (See the NAHB Research Center's Builder's Field Guide to Construction Waste Management).

Small-scale projects generate small amounts of waste materials making cost-effective recycling difficult. Even if the amount generated is very small, some waste materials have high scrap values and may be cost effective to recycle (stockpiling may or may not be necessary to make recycling cost effective). Metal, such as copper or aluminum, and cardboard are two examples of high value waste materials with numerous recycling outlets in most areas of the U.S.. Other materials such as wood, drywall, vinyl, and asphalt roofing can also be recycled, however, the availability and cost effectiveness of recycling these wastes varies by location.

ISSUES

Despite examples of recycling and reuse in the field, there are still issues to be addressed as waste management for remodelers is explored.

• Tipping fees. If disposal is very cheap, what can/will create an incentive to reuse or recycle waste?
• Outlets. If waste outlets have limited availability and accessibility, how can remodelers minimize disposal?
• Contamination. How can remodelers discourage stray waste from being put in sorted waste containers & how much contamination recyclers can/will accept?
• Information. How can remodelers locate quick, easy, & complete information on materials outlets?
• Marketing. What advantage does reuse or recycling represent in selling the remodeler's product?

STEPS TO TAKE NOW

• Set aside waste items/materials that can be diverted from disposal for reuse or recycling, for example, metals, cardboard, and reusables.
• Place waste items that may be reusable next to, instead of inside, the waste container to prevent the disposal of quality materials.
• Place reusable items, such as windows or doors, in a routine location with a "FREE" sign, e.g., a 'free tree'.
• Offer clients, employees, etc. reusable items.
• Ask hauler & state/county recycling coordinator for information on recycling and reuse outlets.

Many of these issues are being investigated under a pilot remodeling waste management project being conducted by the Research Center in North Carolina. Results of this project will be available in the fall of 1997.

Copyright © 1996 NAHB Research Center, Inc. This work is used with the permission of the copyright owner for publication on the Smart Growth Network web site. Any copies of this work shall include this copyright notice.