Construction and Demolition Recycling

truckDid you know that Construction and Demolition, (C&D), materials account for approximately 28% of the waste stream? That means construction materials, such as wood, bricks, asphalt, metal, porcelain, landscaping, concrete, and dirt are being landfilled, when in fact, they could otherwise be recycled!

The City of San Bruno adopted a C&D Recycling Ordinance No. 1659 on March 26, 2002. This ordinance requires that:
  • 50% of all C&D debris generated on new construction of residential or commercial buildings is recycled.
  • The material generated from the demolition of any commercial or residential building, and from any alterations to existing buildings at a cost of $50,000.00 or more, is diverted from the landfill.
Although this program has helped reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill, there are many projects taking place in San Bruno that do not meet the criteria of the Ordinance, and therefore are not required to recycle or salvage construction debris.

That's where you can help. The next time you start a home improvement project; ask yourself "Can any of these materials be recycled or salvaged?" If the answer is YES, then it's up to you to make it happen.

The good news is that the City of San Bruno and San Bruno Garbage Company are working together to help make C&D recycling easy for residents and businesses. Here are some ways to help keep C&D materials out of the landfill:
  • Debris Box Service: San Bruno Garbage Company, the exclusive franchise debris box hauler for the City of San Bruno, operates a C&D Recycling Program. C&D Materials collected in a debris box by San Bruno Garbage Company are diverted to a recycling facility, which achieves an diversion rate that averages approximately 60%.
  • Recycling: Appliances, such as water heaters, dishwashers and stoves, which are collected by San Bruno Garbage Company, are recycled through a metal recycling company.
  • Salvage: Contact a salvage yard, such as Urban Ore or Whole House Building Supply, to donate reusable materials like appliances, doors, windows, furniture, light fixtures, etc.
  • Reuse: Donate reusable items, such as tables, chairs and other furniture, to a non-profit organization.
For more information on salvage and reuse options, please contact a representative from San Bruno Garbage Company, the County of San Mateo's RecycleWorks at (888) 442-2666 or visit RecycleWorks online.

For information on Debris Box Services and the C&D Recycling Program, contact San Bruno Garbage Company at (650) 583-8536.