Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling

Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris accounts for a significant portion of the waste going to local landfills, and C&D debris is much more challenging to recycle than bottles, cans and newspaper!

The state now requires a minimum 65% diversion of C&D debris from projects that exceed specified size or cost thresholds.

If your project is within the RecycleSmart service area, you must use a Registered C&D Transporter, and for the C&D debris waste to count towards the 65% diversion requirement, you must use an Approved C&D Processing Facility. 

In addition to the state requirements, most jurisdictions within RecycleSmart's service area have implemented C&D recycling regulations. Each jurisdiction requires contractors or property owners to develop a simple “Waste Management Plan” (WMP) that outlines how 65% or more of C&D debris generated by a project has been diverted for reuse or recycling. 

Contractors and property owners are allowed to “self-haul” their waste for disposal, but must use a RecycleSmart Approved C&D Processing Facility in order for the C&D debris waste to be counted towards the 65% diversion requirement.

Resources, Forms and Approved Vendor Lists   

• Ordinance No. 19-1: Construction and Demolition Debris Program 

RecycleSmart Ordinance No.19-1 was established to support Member Agency C&D Ordinances and/or the California Green Building Code Standards, by regulating the permitting of RecycleSmart Registered C&D Transporters (being provided to covered projects), and Certifying Approved C&D Processing Facilities. 

• RecycleSmart Registered C&D Transporters

All C&D debris material from construction and/or demolition projects in the RecycleSmart service area must be transported by a Registered C&D Transporter (unless self-hauled by the generating contractor or property owner). 

• Registered Transporter Application/Renewal Form

Use this application if your hauling company wants to apply to be a RecycleSmart Registered C&D Transporter. There is a $370 annual registration fee.  Quarterly reporting is required.

RecycleSmart Approved C&D Processing Facilities

All C&D debris material coming from construction and/or demolition projects in the RecycleSmart service area must be taken to a RecycleSmart Approved C&D Processing Facility.

Click here to learn more about the facility certification process. 

Questions? Please call RecycleSmart at (925) 906-1801.