 Construction
and Demolition Debris
Information presented in this publication is intended to provide
a general understanding of the statutory and regulatory requirements governing
construction and demolition debris. This information is not intended to replace,
limit or expand upon the complete statutory and regulatory requirements found
in the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and Title 35 of the Illinois Administrative
Code.
What is construction and demolition debris?
Construction and demolition (C&D) debris is nonhazardous, uncontaminated
material resulting from construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition of utilities,
structures, and roads.  These
materials include the following:
- Bricks, concrete, and other masonry materials
- Soil
- Rock
- Wood, including nonhazardous painted, treated, and coated wood and wood
products
- Wall coverings
- Plaster
- Drywall
- Plumbing fixtures
- Non-asbestos insulation
- Roofing shingles and other roof coverings
- Reclaimed asphalt pavement
- Glass
- Plastics that do not conceal waste
- Electrical wiring and components that do not contain hazardous substances
- Piping
- Metal materials incidental to any of the materials above
Why is C&D debris a problem?
Landfills are filling up with C&D and other wastes, and some landfills
will close in the near future; therefore, it is wise to find other alternatives
other than landfilling C&D debris. In addition, illegal dumping of C&D
debris can result in future health risks, decreased property values, and cleanup
costs. Proper management and reduction of the amount of C&D waste you generate
can save money, conserve resources, and preserve the environment.
How do I manage Asbestos?
Asbestos waste must be disposed of in an approved landfill. For more information
see the "How Do I Manage Asbestos" fact sheets and contact the Office
of Small Business for additional information on proper asbestos disposal procedures.
How can I manage C&D debris?
The diagram below presents options for managing C&D debris. When making
a decision on how to manage your C&D debris, the first option to consider
is reduction and the last option to consider is landfilling. Each of these options
is discussed below.
 
How do I reduce the amount of C&D debris I generate?
 Although
it can be difficult, you can reduce the amount of C&D debris you generate
by carefully estimating the amount of raw materials needed for construction
activities at your site and making sure that the correct amount of materials
are brought to the site. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
(DCEO) "Construction and Demolition Site Recycling Guidebook" (Guidebook)
and "Construction and Demolition Site Recycling Directory" (Directory)
provide guidance on and resources for C&D debris reduction, reuse, and recycling.
How do I reuse my C&D debris?
Clean C&D debris includes the following uncontaminated  materials:
- Broken concrete without protruding metal bars
- Bricks
- Rock
- Stone
- Reclaimed asphalt pavement;
- Dirt or sand generated from construction or demolition activities
Clean C&D debris can be used as below-grade fill material outside of a
setback zone if (1) covered by sufficient uncontaminated soil to support vegetation
within 30 days after completion of filling or (2) covered by a road or structure.
Also, broken concrete without protruding metal bars can be used for erosion
control. In addition, demolition materials such as doors, bricks, appliances,
and fixtures can be reused.
Certain construction or demolition materials can be separated and salvaged
prior to disposal. These materials can be reused on another project or made
available to others for reuse. This must be done in a reasonable amount of time
before the material is considered abandoned and the activity is considered disposal.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA)
coordinates an industrial material exchange service for the reuse of materials.
For additional information about this exchange, call the Office of Small Business.
How do I recycle my C&D debris?
Recycling C&D debris can save you money and reduce the amount of waste
disposed of in landfills. You can recycle wood, aluminum and other metals, asphalt,
concrete, and corrugated cardboard. Three recycling methods available to demolition
contractors include the following:
- Mixed material collection - Recyclable materials are transported
from the job site, sorted at a designated facility, and sent to processors
for recycling.
- Source separation - Similar materials are separated from other wastes
at the job site by category (such as wood, metal, and concrete) and sent to
processors for recycling.
- On-site processing - Recyclable materials are processed on site and
made ready for reuse.
With few exceptions, off-site processing facilities must have a permit from
the Illinois EPA.
How do I landfill my C&D debris?
 C&D
debris can be transported to a permitted facility by any hauler. The hauler
is not required to have a special waste haulers permit. You should first call
the disposal facility to determine if it accepts C&D debris.
If you have lead-based paint that was removed from non-household waste (for
example, paint that was removed from the substrate), the paint waste must be
tested by a laboratory using the toxicity characteristic leachate procedure
(TCLP) before landfilling. Currently this waste must be managed as a special
waste. For more information on special wastes see the Office of Small Business
fact sheet "Do I Have a Special Waste." However, management standards
for lead-based paint C&D debris may change in the near future with regard
to requirements for lead-testing procedures and disposal methods. Call the Office
of Small Business for additional information on lead-based paint waste disposal
procedures.
How do I obtain more information?
For information on regulatory issues related to C&D debris, call the Illinois
EPA Office of Small Business Helpline at (888) EPA-1996 or the DCEO Small Business
Environmental Assistance Helpline at (800) 252-3998. All calls are considered
confidential and the caller can remain anonymous.
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