Characterisation of building-related construction and demolition debris in the US

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to characterize the quantity and composition of buildingrelated construction and demolition (C&D) debris generated in the United States, and to summarise the waste management practices for this waste stream. C&D debris is produced when new structures are built and when existing structures are renovated or demolished. Structures include all residential and nonresidential buildings as well as public works projects, such as streets and highways, bridges, piers, and dams. Many state definitions of C&D debris also include trees, stumps, earth, and rock from the clearing of construction sites. The focus of this report is on building-related wastes, including construction, demolition, and renovation of residential and nonresidential buildings. Road and bridge debris, land clearing debris, etc. are not covered in detail in this report. They are, however, discussed briefly.