3 Construction Industry Waste Statistics That Will Surprise You

It is no secret that the construction industry creates a lot of waste. However, the magnitude of the number of building materials that end up in our community landfills isn’t advertised, and with good reason. Our mission is to help our clients utilize deconstruction to receive significant tax savings and help save the planet and clean up our communities. Here are three surprising construction industry waste statistics that will have you reconsidering demolition for your next development project. 

More than 600 million pounds of construction and demolition waste was generated in 2018.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, we generate almost two million pounds of C&D debris per American! That is more than double the amount of generated municipal solid waste! How do we reduce that number? It is crucial to look at the sources. The EPA states that the primary sources of C&D waste come from non-residential demolition with residential renovation as a close second. These sources are ideal for deconstruction! By salvaging, reusing, and refurbishing these building materials, you can keep them out of landfills. 

Recycling and reusing C&D materials add 681,000 jobs to the U.S. economy.

The 2020 Recycling Economic Information (REI) Report shows that deconstruction isn’t only better for the environment, but it is better for our economy as well. A study compiled with the National Recycling coalition showed that deconstruction and recycling jobs added 681,000 jobs, $37.8 billion in wages, and $5.5 billion in added tax revenue! When you choose deconstruction, you save our national resources and support much-needed jobs in the green sector! 

Demolition accounts for 90% of C&D waste, with construction accounting for just 10%.

Imagine what can be done if more and more individuals, investors, homeowners, and businesses chose deconstruction instead of demolition. Instead of reusable building materials sitting in a local landfill, they could be utilized to build new properties in the community. Make sure when you are looking for a way to demolish a commercial or residential property that you consider deconstruction as an option. 

Are you interested in saving money and saving the world with deconstruction? Call Green Donation Consultants at 800-870-3965 today.