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 RecycleSmart Registered C&D Transporter and an Approved C&D Processing Facility. Alternatively, contractors and property owners may self-haul their C&D debris, but must use a RecycleSmart Approved C&D Processing Facility in order for the C&D to count towards the 65% diversion requirement.  

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. Below are links to each Jurisdiction: 

RecycleSmart C&D Ordinance 

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 Approved 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). 

RecycleSmart Approved C&D Processing Facilities 

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

How to Become a RecycleSmart Approved Transporter and/or Facility 

If your hauling company wants to apply to be a RecycleSmart Registered C&D Transporter, there is a $370 annual registration fee and quarterly reporting is required. ​

Interested in becoming 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.