Construction & Demolition Waste
What & Why
New requirements in the 2012 building and residential codes tell you what to do with construction and demolition waste materials produced on your project site. Why? Because we're working with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to encourage you to increase the amount of building materials you recycle and salvage instead of throwing those materials away.
At application intake, you must submit a waste diversion plan if your project has an area of work greater than 750 square feet. The plan helps determine which waste materials may be produced on your project site, where they will likely be taken, and who the hauler might be.
If your project involves demolition, you'll also need to fill out the salvage assessment form. The assessment indicates which of the materials that you identified in your plan are potentially salvageable. Go to the Project Documents page for more information on when and how to submit the waste diversion plan and the salvage assessment form.
Project Benefits
You may use salvaged materials from your project site in other buildings or you can recycle the materials turning them into products others can use. Reducing the demand for new building materials reduces the impact to virgin resources. The reduction of process and transporting new materials also reduces carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Selling or reusing your salvaged materials can also save you money!
The End Result
By 2020, Seattle’s goal is to have 70 percent of all construction and demolition waste recycled or salvaged for reuse instead of ending up in a landfill. Developing a plan before you start construction will help you to be more thoughtful about where and how materials can continue their useful life after leaving your project site.
