INFOCUS 

CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, AND RENOVATION 

■ REDUCING WASTE 

AND PREVENTING 

POLLUTION 

■ REGULATORY 

REVIEW 

■ RELEVANT 

RESOURCES 

United States 

Environmental Protection 

Agency 

1EPA

Solid Waste and 

Emergency Response 

(5305W) 

EPA-530-K-04-005 

September 2004 

www.epa.gov/osw 
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE 

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY COMPLIANCE 

ASSISTANCE CENTER (CICA) AT 

<WWW.CICACENTER.ORG> 

OR CONTACT YOUR STATE 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

2 Recycled/Recyclable – Printed with vegetable oil based Inks on 100% (minimum 50% postconsumer) recycled paper. 
CONTENTS Contents


Foreword


C&D Debris


Frequently Asked Questions about RCRA


Special Issues in C&D Debris


Hazardous Waste Requirements Checklist


2 

3 

4 

7 

10 

The Life Cycle of a Typical Renovation/Construction Waste 12


Reduce the Amount of Waste You Generate 14


Other Environmental Laws Affecting the Construction Industry 17


Contacts and Resources 19

Foreword
 FOREWORD

I

f you are involved with building construction, demolition, or renovation, your company creates 

construction and demolition (C&D) debris. These materials can consist of three types of waste: 

(1) Inert or nonhazardous waste; (2) hazardous waste as regulated by the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); and (3) items 

that contain hazardous components that might be regulated by some states. 

Most C&D debris is nonhazardous and is not regulated by EPA. Under RCRA, however, if you 

generate hazardous waste you are required to follow certain procedures when generating, storing, 

transporting, or disposing of it. In addition, many states have specific definitions of C&D debris that 

effectively determine what materials are allowed to be disposed of in nonhazardous waste landfills, 

C&D landfills, or incinerators. Even if federal or state regulations do not apply to your business, you 

should make efforts to keep the hazardous components of the wastes you generate out of landfills to 

conserve natural resources and protect human health and the environment. Follow the suggestions 

outlined in this issue for ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle your waste. 

2 RCRA IN FOCUS

C&D DEBRIS 

C&D Debris


Generators of C&D Debris 

Many of those involved in generating C&D debris can save money by reusing, exchanging, 

recycling, donating, and otherwise reducing the amount of C&D debris they throw away. 

Donations to charitable organizations classified as 501(c)3 are tax-deductible. 

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that as much as 8,000 pounds 

mated that builder

of C&D debris is produced for every 2,000 square feet of house. A 1995 NAHB survey estis pay an average of $500 per home for waste removal. 

C&D debris is one type of solid waste. It is 

a large and varied waste stream that includes 

concrete, asphalt, wood, gypsum, and asphalt 

shingles generated from the construction, 

renovation, and demolition of buildings, 

roads, bridges, and dams. Total C&D waste 

was estimated to be 325 million tons in 2003. 

C&D debris is not federally regulated, except 

to the extent that solid waste landfills must follow a few basic standards outlined in the Federal 

Register at 40 CFR Part 257. States, therefore, 

have the primary role in defining and regulating 

the management of C&D debris. 

Depending on your state’s specific definition, 

C&D debris can include the following discarded 

materials: 

■	 Concrete, cinder blocks, drywall (sheetrock, 

gypsum, or plaster), masonry, asphalt and 

wood shingles, slate, and plaster. 

■	 Forming and framing lumber, plywood, 

wood laminates, wood scraps, and pallets. 

■	 Steel, stainless steel, pipes, rebar, flashing, 

aluminum, copper, and brass, residential and 

commercial steel framing, structural steel, 

steel utility poles. 

■ Brick and decorative blocks. 

■ Siding. 

■ Doors and windows. 

■ Plumbing fixtures. 

■ Electrical wiring. 

■ Non-asbestos insulation. 

■	 Wood, sawdust, brush, trees, stumps, earth, 

fill, and rock and granular materials. 

Many states exclude certain materials from 

the legal definition of C&D debris, using terms 

such as “hazardous,” “unacceptable,” “potentially toxic,” or “illegal”. These wastes might or 

might not meet the federal definition of hazardous waste (see page 5). Those that do meet 

the legal definition of hazardous waste are 

required to be treated and/or disposed of in a 

manner consistent with the federal or state 

requirements for hazardous waste. Examples of 

these wastes can include: 

■	 Waste paints, varnish, solvents, sealers, thinners, resins, roofing cement, adhesives, 

machinery lubricants, and caulk. 

■	 Drums and containers that once contained 

the items listed above. 

■	 Treated wood, including lumber, posts, ties, 

or decks, and utility poles. 

■	 Asbestos-containing items, such as certain 

older types of floor tile, insulation, or other 

materials containing asbestos. (Regulated by 

the Toxic Substances Control Act [TSCA-see 

page 18]) 

■ Lead-based paint, or lead flashing or solder. 

■ Products containing mercury. 

■	 Other items that have inseparable hazardous 

constituents. 

C&D LANDFILLS 

Alarge fraction of 

C&D debris generated in the United States 

ends up in C&D landfills. 

(See 40 CFR 257.) Since 

much of this waste 

stream is inert, states do 

not require these landfills 

to provide all of the same 

environmental protections as those licensed to 

receive municipal solid 

waste. Therefore, C&D 

landfills generally have 

lower tipping fees and 

handle a large amount of 

the C&D debris generated in the United States. 

Most states regulate C&D 

debris, although programs vary widely. For 

example, some states 

require liners or leachate 

collection systems; a few 

require both; and others 

require neither. Visit 

<www.cicacenter.org> 

for more information. 

CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, AND RENOVATION 3

Frequently

STATE 

HAZARDOUS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

WASTE 

REQUIREMENTS ABOUT RCRA 

While states have


the primary What Is RCRA? ■ Large Quantity Generators (LQGs).


responsibility for regulat- LQGs generate greater than or equal to 1,000 

ing nonhazardous C&D RCRA is a federal law that encourages envi- kg (approximately 2,200 lb) of hazardous 

debris, they sometimes ronmentally sound methods for managing comalso have primary respon- mercial and industrial waste as well as housesibility for regulating haz- hold and municipal waste. It regulates facilities 

ardous waste. States can that generate, transport, treat, store, or dispose 

receive legal permission, of hazardous waste. 

known as authorization, The term “RCRA” is often used interchangeto implement EPA’s ably to refer to the law, the regulations, and EPA 

RCRA hazardous waste policy and guidance. The law describes the 

program. State hazardous waste management program mandated by 

waste programs are con- Congress that gave EPA authority to develop the 

sistent with, and are at RCRA program. EPA regulations carry out the 

least as stringent as, the Congressional intent by providing explicit, 

federal hazardous waste legally enforceable requirements for waste 

program. Always contact management. EPA guidance documents and 

policy directives clarify issues related to the your state authority to implementation of the regulations. determine which state 

requirements apply to All of the RCRA hazardous waste regulations 

your business.	 can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations 

(CFR), Title 40, Parts 260 to 279. The CFR can 

be purchased through the U.S. Government 

Printing Office (GPO). 

Who Is Regulated? 

Any business that generates hazardous waste 

is potentially subject to RCRA. You must conduct tests required by the regulations or use 

your knowledge of and familiarity with the 

waste you generate to determine whether it is 

hazardous waste. You might be subject to substantial civil and criminal penalties if you fail to 

properly or completely identify hazardous waste 

generated by your business. 

How Are Generators 

Regulated? 

If your business generates hazardous waste, 

you must manage it according to regulations for 

your specific generator type. Hazardous waste 

generators are divided into three categories, 

according to how much they generate in a calendar month: 

4 RCRA IN FOCUS 

waste per month or greater than 1 kg 

(approximately 2.2 lb) of acutely hazardous 

waste per month. 

■	 Small Quantity Generators (SQGs). 

SQGs generate greater than 100 kg 

(approximately 220 lb) but less than 1,000 kg 

(approximately 2,200 lb) of hazardous waste 

per month. 

■	 Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity 

Generators (CESQGs). CESQGs generate 

less than or equal to 100 kg (approximately 

220 lb) of hazardous waste per month and 

less than or equal to 1 kg (approximately 2.2 

lb) of acutely hazardous waste per month. 

Most construction, demolition, and renovation companies are considered CESQGs. 

CESQGs must comply with three basic waste 

management requirements to remain exempt 

from the full hazardous waste regulations that 

apply to generators of larger quantities of hazardous waste (SQGs and LQGs). 

Some states do not recognize the CESQG 

class. Contact your state environmental agency 

to find out if the CESQG status is recognized. 

To find your appropriate state contact, visit 

<www.cicacenter.org>. 

Under the federal RCRA requirements, your 

generator status might change from one month 

to the next as the quantity of waste you generate 

changes. State requirements vary widely. You 

must comply with whichever standard is applicable for a given month. In many cases, small 

businesses that fall into different generator categories at different times choose to always satisfy 

the more stringent requirements (usually state 

requirements) to simplify compliance. 

Generators must “count” the amount of waste 

generated, which involves adding up the total 

weight of all quantities of characteristic and listed waste generated at a particular facility. Certain 

wastes, such as those that are reclaimed or recycled continuously on site, may not be counted 

for the monthly total calculation under the federal regulations. 
Asked Questions
 What Is Hazardous Waste? Characteristic Wastes. Even if your waste does not appear on

one of the hazardous waste lists, it still might be regulated as 

To be considered hazardous waste, a material first must be 

classified as a solid waste. EPA defines solid waste as garbage, 

refuse, sludge, or other discarded material (including solids, 

semisolids, liquids, and contained gaseous materials). If your 

waste is considered solid waste, you must then determine if it 

is hazardous waste. Wastes are defined as hazardous by EPA if 

they are specifically named on one of four lists of hazardous 

wastes (listed wastes) or if they exhibit one of four characteristics (characteristic wastes). Each type of RCRA hazardous 

waste is given a unique hazardous waste code using the letters 

D, F, K, P, or U and three digits (e.g., D001, F005, P039). See 

page 6 for additional information on relevant C&D waste 

codes. 

Listed Wastes. Wastes are listed as hazardous because they 

are known to be harmful to human health and the 

environment when not managed properly, regardless of their 

concentrations. The lists include the following three types of 

waste: 

■	 Non-Specific Source Wastes. These are materialspecific wastes, such as solvents, generated by several 

different industries. Waste codes range from F001 to F039. 

Examples include ethyl benzene, methylene chloride, and 

toluene. 

■	 Specific Source Wastes. These are wastes from 

specifically identified industries. Waste codes range from 

K001 to K161. C&D debris does not typically include 

specific source wastes. 

■	 Discarded Commercial Chemical Products. Offspecification products, container residuals, spill residue 

runoff, or active ingredients that have spilled or are 

unused and that have been, or are intended to be, 

discarded. Waste codes for acutely hazardous chemicals 

range from P001 to P205 and U001 to U411. An example 

is U159, unused methyl ethyl ketone. 

hazardous waste if it exhibits one or more of the following 

characteristics: 

■	 Ignitability. Ignitable wastes create fires under certain 

conditions or are spontaneously combustible, and have a 

flash point less than 60°C (140°F). One example is spent 

solvents. The waste code for these materials is D001. 

■	 Corrosivity. Corrosive wastes are acids or bases that are 

capable of corroding metal containers, such as storage tanks, 

drums, and barrels. The waste code for these materials is 

D002. C&D debris does not typically include corrosive 

wastes. 

■	 Reactivity. Reactive wastes are unstable under “normal” 

conditions. They can cause explosions, toxic fumes, gases, 

or vapors when mixed with water. The waste code for 

these materials is D003. C&D debris does not typically 

include reactive wastes. 

■	 Toxicity. Toxic wastes are harmful or fatal when ingested 

or absorbed. When toxic wastes are disposed of on land, 

contaminated liquid might drain (leach) from the waste 

and pollute ground water. Toxicity is defined through a 

laboratory procedure called the Toxicity Characteristic 

Leaching Procedure (TCLP). Examples include 

trichloroethylene, asphalt wastes, and lead pipe. The waste 

codes for these materials range from D004 to D059. 

Do Exclusions Exist? 

The RCRA regulations contain many exclusions for 

wastes and waste management practices that are not considered to be hazardous. 

CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, AND RENOVATION 5

Questions

Frequently Asked


What Are Some T (2) You may not store more than 2,200 lbs (1,000 kg) of ypical RCRA 

hazardous waste on site at any time.

Wastes in C&D Debris? (3) You must ensure delivery of your hazardous waste to 

The following table shows some examples of C&D 

wastes that may be considered hazarous according to EPA’s 

definition. 

Most construction, demolition, and renovation companies 

are considered CESQGs. CESQGs must comply with three 

basic waste management requirements to remain exempt from 

the full hazardous waste regulations that apply to generators of 

larger quantities of hazardous waste (SQGs and LQGs). 

(1) Identify all hazardous waste that you generate on site. 

Test procedures are described in an EPA document, Test 

Methods for the Evaluation of Solid Waste, Physical/ 

Chemical Methods, SW-846. (See the SW-846 Web site at 

<www.epa.gov/sw-846/sw846.htm> for more information.) 

You can also use your knowledge of the waste to make this 

determination; for example, you might know that the spent 

solvent you are disposing of is an ignitable hazardous waste, 

and therefore, you would not have to test for the 

solvent’s flashpoint. 

an offsite treatment or disposal facility that is: 

■ A state or federally regulated hazardous waste 

management treatment, storage, or disposal facility. 

■ A facility permitted, licensed, or registered by a state to 

manage municipal or industrial solid waste. 

■ A facility that uses, reuses, or legitimately recycles the 

waste (or treats the waste prior to use, reuse, or recycling). 

■ A “universal waste” handler or destination facility subject 

to the universal waste requirements of 40 CFR Part 273. 

(Universal wastes include certain batteries, recalled and 

collected pesticides, mercury-containing thermostats, 

and mercury-containing fluorescent bulbs.) 

Note that some states require CESQGs to obtain an EPA 

identification number and comply with certain storage standards. 

For more information refer to the Code of Federal 

Regulations (DCFR) Title 40 Parts 260 to 279, or visit 

<www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/sqg/cesqg.htm>. 

Activity Wastes Generated Possible RCRA Waste Codes 

Land-Clearing, Wrecking, Ignitable or toxic wreckage and debris, and D001 (ignitable wreckage and debris), D008 (lead pipe, toxic wreckage 

and Demolition lead pipe. and lead-based paint debris), D009 (mercury-containing fluorescent 

lamps), D023-D026 (toxic wreckage and debris containing cresols). 

Heavy Construction Asphalt wastes, petroleum distillates, and D001 (asphalt wastes, petroleum distillates, used oil sent for disposal), 

used oil.(Asphalt is widely recycled.) D004 (arsenic), D006-D008 (used oil sent for disposal containing cadmium, chromium, or lead), D018 (asphalt wastes containing benzene). 

Carpentry and Floorwork Acetone, adhesives, coatings, methylene D001 (acetone, adhesives, coatings, methylene chloride, MEK, MIK, 

chloride, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methyl mineral spirits, solvents, trichloroethylene, toluene, xylene), D004 (treatisobutyl ketone (MIK), mineral spirits, sol- ed wood), D023-D026, D037 (treated wood), D035 (MEK), D040 

vents, toluene, treated wood, trichloroethyl- (trichloroethylene), F001 or F002 (trichloroethylene, methylene chloene, and xylene. ride), F003 (acetone, xylene, MIK), F005 (toluene, MEK), U002 (unused 

acetone), U159 (unused MEK), U161 (unused MIK), U239 (unused 

xylene), U220 (unused toluene), U080 (unused methylene chloride). 

Paint Preparation and Acetone, chlorobenzene, glazes, methanol, D001 (acetone, chlorobenzene, glazes, methanol, MEK, methylene 

Painting MEK, methylene chloride, paint, petroleum chloride, paint, petroleum distillates, solvents, stripping compounds, 

distillates, pigments, solvents, stripping toluene, wastewater), D007 (chromium pigments), D008 (lead pigcompounds, toluene, and wastewater. ments), D021 (chlorobenzene), D035 (MEK), F001 and F002 

(chlorobenzene), F003 (acetone, methanol), F005 (MEK, toluene), 

U002 (unused acetone), U037 (unused chlorobenzene), U159 (unused 

MEK), U220 (unused toluene). 

Specialty Contracting Acetone, adhesives, coatings, hexachloro- D001 (acetone, adhesives, coatings, MEK, MIK, kerosene, solvents, 

Activities ethane, kerosene, MEK, MIK, pigments, toluene, wastewater, xylene), D007 (chromium pigments), D008 (lead 

solvents, toluene, wastewater, and xylene. pigments), D034 (hexachloroethane), D035 (MEK), F003 (acetone, MIK, 

xylene), F005 (toluene, MEK), U002 (unused acetone), U131 (unused 

hexachloroethane), U159 (unused MEK), U161 (unused MIK), U220 

(unused toluene), U239 (unused xylene). 

6 RCRA IN FOCUS

WHAT IS THE

SPECIAL ISSUES IN C&D DEBRIS UNIVERSAL 

WASTE 

PROGRAM? Special Issues The Universal Waste 

Program is designed to 

reduce the amount of hazHow Should I Manage 

C&D Debris Containing 

Mercury? 

When preparing for demolition, contractors 

should be aware that some items inside buildings contain mercury, which is an extremely 

persistent and toxic human health and environmental threat. Contractors should carefully salvage these materials for proper recycling to prevent mercury contamination. 

Mercury-containing wastes must be managed 

and disposed of as RCRA hazardous wastes if 

they meet the toxicity characteristic for mercury 

(waste code D009). Mercury-containing batteries, 

thermostats, and lamps may be managed under 

the Universal Waste Program, provided the state 

does not regulate the wastes more stringently. 

Items that contain mercury commonly found in 

buildings include: 

■	 Fluorescent lamps, mercury vapor lamps, 

metal halide lamps, high pressure sodium 

lamps, and neon lamps. See <www.epa.gov/ 

epaoswer/hazwaste/id/univwast.htm#lam>. 

■	 Thermostat probes (found in gas-fired 

appliances with pilot lights such as ranges, 

ovens, clothes dryers, water heaters, furnaces, 

and space heaters). 

■	 Thermostats, aquastats, pressurestats, 

firestats, monometers, and thermometers. 

■	 Smoke detectors, emergency lighting 

systems, and security systems and alarms. 

■	 Parts of sprinkler systems and coal conveyer 

systems. 

■ Elevator control panels. 

■ Exit signs. 

■ Barometers. 

■ Silent wall switches. 

■ Cathode ray tubes. 

■ Old paint. 

Salvaging mercury-containing products not 

only keeps them from contaminating the soil 

and surface waters near building demolition 

sites, but it also prevents them from winding up 

in landfills or recycling systems. Waste combustors and hazardous waste treatment incinerators 

are tightly regulated and must comply with all 

EPA standards on air emissions. 

Remember the following guidelines: 

■	 Isolate items that contain mercury and take 

them to a mercury recycler or consolidation 

site. Contact your county or state 

environmental or solid waste office for 

services available in your area. Do not 

remove the mercury from items. Label and 

store the mercury-containing devices to 

ensure proper handling and disposal. 

■	 Never crush fluorescent lamps because 

mercury could be released. 

■	 Contractors should be aware that specialty 

buildings, such as hospitals, clinics, 

laboratories, and dental offices, might have 

additional mercury sources. 

REMEMBER TO CHECK WITH THE 

APPROPRIATE STATE AND LOCAL 

AUTHORITIES ABOUT HOW TO PROPERLY 

HANDLE AND DISPOSE OF MATERIALS IN 

YOUR AREA. 

ardous waste items in the 

municipal solid waste stream, 

to encourage recycling and 

proper disposal of certain 

common hazardous wastes, 

and to reduce the regulatory 

burden on businesses that 

generate these wastes. 

Specifically, it streamlines the 

requirements related to notification, labeling, accumulation time limits, employee 

training, response to releases, 

offsite shipments, tracking, 

exports, and transportation of 

“universal waste.” 

Wastes that are considered federal universal wastes 

include batteries, agricultural 

pesticides, thermostats, 

lamps, cathode ray tubes, and 

mercury-containing equipment. Construction companies that handle large quantities of these federal universal 

wastes can take advantage of 

these special requirements 

when handling hazardous 

materials. The rule does not 

apply to CESQGs (businesses that generate less than 100 

kilograms of universal wastes 

per month), although EPA 

encourages these businesses 

to participate voluntarily in 

collection and recycling programs. Additionally, companies should check with their 

state agency regarding the 

implementation of the 

Universal Waste Rule in their 

state. 

For more information, 

visit EPA’s Universal Waste 

Web page at <www.epa.gov/ 

epaoswer/hazwaste/id/

univwast.htm>. 

CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, AND RENOVATION 7

Special Issues


How Should I Manage Lead-Based 

Paint Debris? 

Lead-based paint has been banned since 1978, but many 

older structures still have this paint on walls, woodwork, siding, windows, and doors. Construction and demolition workers can be exposed to lead contamination by cutting, scraping, 

sanding, heating, burning, or blasting lead-based paint from 

building components, metal bridges and metal storage tanks. 

In addition to exposure to workers, lead-based paint debris or 

dust can also make its way into soil, potentially contaminating 

surface waters. Lead poisoning is a serious health threat for 

adults and is especially damaging to young children. It can 

cause anemia, reproductive disorders, and damage to the kidney, liver, and brain. Lead is absorbed into the bloodstream, 

soft tissue, and bones and teeth, where it breaks down 

extremely slowly (from 50 days to 50 years). 

C&D debris contaminated with lead-based paint must be 

managed in different ways depending upon where the debris 

came from and what it is. 

C&D debris from commercial or industrial sites that 

is contaminated with lead-based paint must be managed as 

RCRA hazardous waste if a representative sample meets the 

toxicity characteristic (D008). 

Lead-based paint waste from removal or remediation activities, such as debris, paint chips, dust, and sludges, 

that exhibit the toxicity characteristic must be managed and 

disposed of as a RCRA hazardous waste. However, lead-based 

paint being removed from households is excluded because it 

is considered household waste, not hazardous waste. 

Contractors working to renovate, remodel, or abate 

lead-based paint in homes are allowed to dispose of leadbased paint waste as household garbage. Contractors who 

generate the waste in this manner do not need to determine 

whether the waste meets the toxicity characteristic under 

RCRA, but should contact their state agency for possible 

additional requirements. This waste normally consists of 

building parts, such as doors, window frames, painted woodwork, and paint chips. 

Anyone handling lead-based paint or lead-based paint 

debris—even if it is not technically considered hazardous 

waste—should follow several guidelines to protect their 

health and safety: 

■	 Collect paint chips, dust, dirt, and rubble in plastic trash 

bags for disposal. 

■	 Store larger lead-based paint building parts in containers 

until ready for disposal. 

■	 Use a covered dumpster (such as a roll-off container) to 

store lead-based paint debris until the job is completed. 

■	 Contact your local solid waste agency to determine where 

and how to dispose of lead-based paint debris. 

■	 Do not smoke, eat, or drink around lead-based paint 

work. 

■	 Always wash your hands and face before smoking, eating, 

or drinking. 

■	 Do not wear clothes home that have been covered in leadbased paint dust. 

Contractors working for publicly funded rehabilitation or renovation projects in public housing must follow 

the Department of Housing and Urban Development 

(HUD) guidelines for lead-based paint. They must also follow EPA rules regarding training and certification and 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 

rules regarding hazard communication, personal protective 

equipment, testing of blood lead levels, and other special 

procedures. 

8 RCRA IN FOCUS

in C&D Debris


How Should I Manage Asbestos 

Debris? 

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) have been widely 

used for fire resistance and insulation in building construction since World War II. ACMs are most commonly found 

in: 

■ Insulation (blown, rolled, and wrapped). 

■ Resilient floor covering (tiles). 

■ Asbestos siding shingles. 

■ Asbestos cement products. 

■ Asphalt roofing products. 

Because it can cause a variety of health issues, including 

scarring of the lung tissue and certain types of cancer, 

asbestos is strictly regulated by both EPA and OSHA. The 

Asbestos National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air 

Pollutants (NESHAP), promulgated under the Clean Air Act, 

is the regulation most commonly applied to the construction 

industry (see page 17). Under NESHAP, some types of ACM 

are regulated, while others are not subject to special disposal 

requirements. The Asbestos NESHAP places ACM in three 

distinct categories. 

Friable ACM 

Friable ACMs are able to be crumbled under hand 

pressure and include sprayed-applied fireproofing or 

insulation. Friable ACMs are always regulated under 

NESHAP when they are disturbed during demolition or 

renovation. 

Category 1 Non-Friable ACM 

These materials, including floor tiles, are not considered 

regulated ACM and do not need to be removed prior to 

demolition or renovation. However, if they are subjected 

to sanding, grinding, cutting, or abrading, are in poor condition and friable, or if they will be burned, Category 1 

Non-Friable ACM is considered regulated ACM and 

must be removed accordingly. 

Category 2 Non-Friable ACM 

The treatment of Category 2 non-friable ACMs, which 

includes asbestos cement, should be evaluated on a caseby-case basis. If these materials are likely to be crushed, 

pulverized, or reduced to powder during demolition or 

renovation, they should be removed prior to project start 

or treated as regulated ACM if exposed to these conditions. 

If regulated ACM is present at a site designated for demolition or renovation, it must be properly packaged in leaktight containers or wrapped and disposed of at an approved 

or licensed disposal site. State and local agencies that regulate 

asbestos removal can supply a list of disposal sites, and can be 

found in the government pages of local telephone directories. 

NESHAP also requires contractors to follow specific work 

practices when working with ACMs to ensure adherance to 

its zero visible air emissions standard for asbestos removal. 

Non-regulated ACM may be disposed of in landfills that 

accept ordinary demolition waste. 

Regardless of whether asbestos is present at a demolition 

or renovation site, NESHAP regulations require contractors 

to submit a written notice to the state or local pollution control agency or to the EPA Regional Office 10 working days 

prior to the start of construction activities. Some EPA 

Regions require that both EPA and the state or local office be 

notified. Additionally, the building site must be inspected by 

a certified asbestos inspector, and owners and operators must 

have samples of materials suspected of containing ACM collected and tested prior to the start of construction activities. 

In addition to NESHAP regulations, some states also have 

additional asbestos requirements which should also be considered during demolition and renovation projects. 

CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, AND RENOVATION 9

HAZARDOUS WASTE REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST FOR CONSTRUCTIO

Managers of construction projects can use the following checklist to determine hazardous waste requirements under RCRA. Yo

hazardous waste requirements for construction projects. 

What type of hazardous waste generator are you? 

REQUIREMENTS FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE GENERATORS REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS SQG LQG 

Hazardous Waste Identification EPA Identification Number Hazardous Waste Accumulation Hazardous Waste Storage 

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 

✓ 

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 

• Identify whether you generate hazardous waste to determine if you are subjec

waste regulations. Test procedures are described in “Test Methods for the EvaPhysical/Chemical Methods, SW-846,” or tests can be performed by a local la

• Obtain an EPA Identification number (i.e., a RCRA hazardous waste generato

within your company. EPA and states use this 12-character identification numb

waste activities. To get an EPA identification number, submit Form 8700-12 (N

Waste Activity), which is provided by your state hazardous waste agency. This 

Contact your state regarding the need for renotification if circumstances at you

• Waste must be properly accumulated in containers or tanks. • Waste must be properly accumulated in containers, tanks, drip pads, or conta• Hazardous waste containers must be closed, marked as "Hazardous Waste," 

accumulation began. 

• Store hazardous waste containers in a secure location. • Perform weekly inspections of your hazardous waste containers. • You must have secondary containment measures in your hazardous waste sto• Hazardous waste storage areas must have fire suppression equipment. • Hazardous waste storage areas must have available radio or telephone comm

If you generate less than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of hazardous waste per month, you are a Conditionally Exem(CESQG). Most construction contractors do not fall under the federal definition. CESQG contractors may be subjecIf you generate between 100 and 1,000 kilograms (220-2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste per month, you area SmIf you generate more than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of hazardous waste per month, you are a Large Quanti

CESQG 

SQG 

LQG 
Preparation for 

Transport Manifest Requirements Preparedness and Prevention Used Oil Standards 

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 

✓ 

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ 

• Use a licensed hazardous waste hauler for transport. • Before being transported, waste must be packaged, labeled, and marked in ac

Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements. Call the DOT hazardous mline at (202) 366-4488 for information. 

• Properly label and mark your hazardous waste prior to transport. • Make sure that the transporter has the proper placards to identify the characte

ciated with your waste. 

• Complete and sign the Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest (see below). 

• Include the name, address, and EPA ID number of the hazardous waste gene

porter, and designated TSDF on the manifest. 

• Include a description of the waste's hazards on the manifest as required by DO

• Provide the quantities of the waste being transported and the types of contain• Complete the certification. • Obtain a copy of the signed and dated manifest from the TSDF within 45 days 

within 60 days for SQGs. If you did not receive a copy, you must submit an "e

• Your site must have a specified emergency response procedure. (Note: a writt

not required.) 

• Your site's basic safety information must be readily accessible to employees. • Site personnel familiar must be familiar with proper handling of hazardous was

procedures. 

• Your site must have an established personnel training program to educate wo

dling of hazardous waste. 

• You must have an emergency coordinator on site or on call at all times. • If you generate used oil, you are subject to a separate set of management sta

hazardous waste management standards if the used oil will be recycled. If the and disposed of, perform the hazardous waste identification step listed above
PLACE WASTE IN ACCUMULATION UNIT 

If the waste is not reusable, exchangeable, or recyclable, 

ensure that it is delivered to one of several types of 

facilities to which CESQGs may send wastes (e.g., hazardous waste TSDFs, certain state licensed or permitted municipal solid waste facilities, or recyclers). 

THE LIFE CYCLE 

OF A TYPICAL 

RENOVATION/ 

CONSTRUCTION 

WASTE IDENTIFY WASTE 

By running tests or using knowledge of the waste, identify 

whether the waste solvents and paints are hazardous. Based 

on these analyses, you determine that the appropriate T RCRA hazardous waste code is D001 (ignitable wastes).

his example details the life cycle of just one 

potential construction waste, solvents and 

paint, that might be regulated under RCRA. 

The steps below illustrate the most common scenario 

of activities a CESQG should conduct with this waste. 

Other hazardous wastes could be produced by construction, demolition, and renovation activities, and 

other life cycles could be different depending on the 

type and amount of waste, and the type of generator. 

You might be able to significantly reduce the amount 

of hazardous waste you must manage by reducing, 

reusing, and recycling C&D debris. If these options are 

not available, the following steps must be taken to 

ensure proper management of the hazardous waste. 

12 RCR A IN FOCUS 

1 

5 
2 

4 

OBTAIN EPA IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 

Before shipping waste off site for treatment, storage, or disposal, you must package, label, and mark waste containers 

in accordance with all applicable DOT requirements. For 

more information, call the DOT Hotline at 800 467-4922. 

COUNT WASTE 

As a second step, determine how much hazardous 

waste you have produced in a calendar month. Do 

not include waste that may be exempt from regulation such as household hazardous waste, mercurycontaining batteries, thermostats, and lamps managed under the Universal Waste Program. Also do 

not include waste that is recycled on site without 

prior storage or accumulation, and wastes discharged 

in compliance with the Clean Water Act directly to a 

sewer where the wastes mix with domestic sewage 

and then pass to a Public Owned Treatment Works 

(POTW). 

3 

DETERMINE GENERATOR 

STATUS 

Based on the waste counted, determine your generator status. In this 

example, you have produced less 

than 100 kg in the past month, 

which means you are a CESQG in 

this calendar month. If the amount 

of waste you generate fluctuates 

from month to month, you might 

want to satisfy the more stringent 

requirements each month to simplify compliance. 

CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, AND RENOVATION 13

REDUCE WASTE 

REDUCE THE 

AMOUNT OF WASTE 

YOU GENERATE

Asignificant amount of money can be saved by those companies that take advantage of the various reuse, exchange, recycling, or donation opportunities that 

exist. By reducing the amount of C&D debris that is thrown away, companies 

also reduce their regulatory burden by avoiding the disposal of items that could be 

considered hazardous waste. 

The following are several options for reducing the amount of C&D debris requiring disposal: 

DECONSTRUCTION AND REUSE: Deconstruction 

means the selective disassembly of buildings to facilitate the 

reuse or recycling of valuable materials. This practice can 

involve the recovery of materials such as wood, structural 

brick, and highly functional finished components like windows, doors, cabinets, and decorative trim. Deconstruction is 

labor-intensive but can produce environmental, economic, 

and social benefits. 

Reuse/Refurbish/Donate: Functional building or architectural components, in addition to scrap materials, can often be 

reused or refurbished. Some items could be used by your 

company for your next building job, and many items can be 

sold to used building materials stores, high-end salvaged 

architectural materials exchanges, salvaged wood distributors, 

scrap recyclers, individual homeowners, waste exchanges, or 

other outlets. Consider placing an ad in the local newspaper 

for excess salvage materials. If you can’t sell the items you 

have salvaged, some of them may be donated to at least save 

money on disposal. Also, ask homeowners if they would like 

to keep clean, usable materials for their own future projects. 

Recycle: Some materials, like the ones in the table on page 

15, can be sold to scrap recycling businesses or through material exchanges. Sort materials as they are generated to maximize their recyclability and reuse. This practice is becoming 

increasingly cost efficient as processing and disposal costs rise. 

Visit <www.epa.gov/jtc/comm/construct.htm> for a complete list and more information. 

Be sure to prevent hazardous contamination of materials destined for reuse or recycling. Consider accumulating various 

wastes separately to facilitate recycling. If you are storing 

waste that may be hazardous prior to recycling, you may have 

to comply with certain RCRA requirements. 

PREVENT POLLUTION: Contractors can take several 

other pollution prevention and waste reduction measures as 

shown in the table. Some of these suggestions require contractors to make decisions prior to arriving at the job site, while 

others involve onsite activities. 

BUYING GREEN: The recycling process is not complete 

until you’ve purchased products made with recycled content. 

Note that RCRA specifies that the federal government 

and its contractors must purchase certain items with recovered material (recycled) content. Based on extensive 

research, EPA has designated several such construction products in the Comprehensive Procurement Guideline (CPG). 

Visit <www.epa.gov/cpg> for a complete list and more 

information. Many additional construction products are 

commercially available with recycled content or alternative, 

less toxic materials. 

14 RCRA IN FOCUS

Sell or Donate ■ Cabinets, doors, plumbing, lighting fixtures, tile carpeting, door hinges, wall paneling, mirrors, 

for Reuse stairway bannisters, construcion-grade lumber, ornamental wood trim, clay tiles and bricks, 

metals such as copper and aluminum electrical hardware or wire, and some plumbing hardware. 

■ Historical fabric and architectural items from historic buildings. 

■ Old-growth timbers. 

■ Clean, uncontaminated concrete waste is used in some municipalities as aggregate for soil stabilization 

or reprocessed for use in roads, foundation stone, and other projects. Check with your local licensed 

landfill operator, earthmovers, or road construction personnel. Rubble (concrete, bricks, cinderblock, 

and certain types of tile) can be crushed and sieved for use as an aggregate. 

Reuse on Site ■ Joist cut-offs can be cut up and used as stakes for forming or for headers around floor openings. Wood 

scraps can be used as bridging, splicers, wall components, filler, scabs, and spacers. 

■ Leftover rigid insulation can be used as ventilation baffles or installed into house envelopes at joist 

header assemblies. 

■ Asphalt can be reused on site by heating pavement, injecting petroleum distillates, grinding, mixing, 

and rerolling. It is estimated that 86 million tons of asphalt are recycled each year. 

Recycle ■ Metal recyclers often take aluminum or copper wiring scrap, other wiring fixtures, conduit, iron, 

copper, brass, steel, lead piping, and appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, washers, and stoves. 

■ Uncontaminated scrap lumber or pallets can be recycled into furniture or chipped and used for 

landscape mulch, compost, animal bedding, boiler fuel, or engineered building products. Sometimes 

pallets can be returned to the vendors. 

■ Gypsum scraps can be recycled in some locations. 

■ Glass can be recycled into fiberglass or used in place of sand in paving material. 

■ Asphalt shingles can be used in asphalt highway and road paving and pothole repair. (visit 

<shinglerecycling.org>). 

■ Thermal insulation (fiberglass, cellulose, rigid foam, foam-in-place). 

■ Floor tiles (heavy duty/commercial use). 

■ Carpet and carpet cushion. 

Prevent Pollution ■ Ask drywall suppliers to back-haul scrap drywall for use in new drywall production. and Reduce Waste 

■ Keep drywall cutoffs easily accessible to use for small spaces. 

■ Replace toxic solvents, adhesives, and coatings with less hazardous products, such as water-based or 

low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint, adhesives, joint compounds, and sealants. 

■ Reclaim solvents onsite for reuse, or contract with a recycling company. 

■ To minimize spills while painting, clean spray guns by immersing only the front end in solvent. Clean 

spray guns by passing solvent through gun and into a container, rather than spraying cleaning solvent 

into the air. 

■ Prepare smaller test batches of solvents and coatings. 

■ Cover solvent, adhesive, and coating containers to prevent product evaporation. 

■ Use solvent-based coatings with high levels of solids to reduce air emissions. 

■ Arrange painting schedules to reduce wastes from cleaning equipment between tasks, shifts, or color 

changes. 

Buy Green ■ Thermal insulation (fiberglass, cellulose, rigid foam, foam-in-place). 

■ Floor tiles (heavy duty/commercial use). 

■ Carpet and carpet cushion. 

■ Recycled-content siding (made of recycled cellulose fiber and concrete). 

■ Salvaged wood floors and trim. 

■ Recycled steel studs and steel roofing. 

■ Strawboard for interior walls (made of straw pressed together with a low VOC, formaldehyde-free 

adhesive). 

■ Recycled-content roofing materials. 

■ Plastic lumber products. 

A QUICK GUIDE TO REDUCING C&D WASTE 

CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, AND RENOVATION 15
REDUCE WASTE 

REDUCE THE 

AMOUNT OF WASTE 

YOU GENERATE

How Should I Manage My Oil? 

In the construction and demolition industry, many types 

of vehicles and equipment require the use of motor oil. 

Recycling is the preferred way of handling used oil to protect 

the environment and to conserve natural resources. Used oil 

can be re-refined into lubricants, re-processed into fuel oil, 

and used as raw materials for the refining and petrochemical 

industries. Used oil filters contain reusable scrap steel that 

producers can use as scrap feed. If you maintain your own 

vehicles, take the following steps to ensure the environment is 

protected by recycling this valuable resource: 

■	 Follow good housekeeping practices and your state’s used 

oil management standards. 

■ Do not mix used motor oil with anything. 

■	 Keep clean-up materials such as rags, sand, booms, or clay 

kitty litter close at hand. 

■	 Contain spilled oil by spreading sand or other clean-up 

material over and around the used motor oil. 

■	 Buy and maintain reusable clean-up materials when 

possible. 

■	 Recycle used oil clean-up materials or send them to an 

energy recovery facility when possible. 

■	 Reduce waste and save money by using extraction devices 

(e.g., centrifuges, wringers and compactors) to recover 

used motor oil from reusable clean-up materials. 

■	 Remove used motor oil from rags or other clean-up 

materials and recycle the motor oil as you normally would. 

■	 Put used cleaning materials in the trash when they do not 

contain any free-flowing oil and when they can no longer 

be reused or recycled. 

■ Send used motor oil to a re-refiner whenever possible. 

■ Send used oil filters to a recycler whenever possible. 

The recycling loop isn’t complete until the materials that 

are sent for recycling are remanufactured into new products 

and purchased by consumers. Whenever possible, purchase 

re-refined motor oil for vehicles and equipment. Search EPA’s 

Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines database for a listing 

of re-refined motor oil dealers in your area 

<www.epa.gov/cpg>. 

How Should I Manage My Used 

Tires? 

Typically, the many vehicles used in the construction and 

demolition industry will outlive their tires, requiring users to 

find replacements when the original tires are no longer functional. Discarded tires have always been and continue to be a 

serious disposal problem, taking up large amounts of landfill 

space and posing threats to human health and the environment. Salvaging used tires not only keeps them out of landfills, but provides the opportunity to save money on the 

replacements. 

When tires becomes worn, take them to a retreader or other 

tire recycler. Technically, all types of tires can be retreaded. 

Retreading involves adding a new layer of tread to a used tire. 

Retreading tires not only saves landfill space, but also conserves the oil and energy used to make new tires. Retread tires 

cost between 30 percent and 50 percent less than a new tire. 

Search EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines database for a listing of retread tire manufacturers in your area 

<www.epa.gov/cpg>. 

If tire retreading is not an option, look into the various 

state and private organizations that offer tire recycling programs. Recycled tires can be used in creating running tracks, 

playground surfaces, and shoe soles. Scrap tires can also be 

used in flooring/matting and as a soil amendment. Ground 

tires provide cushioning and maintain traction and shape; for 

this reason, they are increasingly used by highway departments as an asphalt additive to help extend the life of roads, 

and as low density aggregate in embankment and fill applications. See EPA’s consolidated tire web site at <www.epa.gov/

epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/tires>. 

16 RCRA IN FOCUS

Laws Environmental


OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS 

AFFECTING THE CONSTRUCTION 

INDUSTRY

THE CLEAN WATER ACT THE CLEAN AIR ACT

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 

commonly known as the Clean Water Act 

(CWA), is the federal program designed to 

restore and maintain the integrity of the nation’s 

surface waters. CWA controls direct discharges 

to surface waters (e.g., through a pipe) from 

industrial processes or stormwater systems associated with an industrial activity. It also regulates 

indirect discharges, or discharges to publicly 

owned treatment works (POTWs) through a 

public sewer system, by requiring industrial 

facilities to pretreat their waste before discharging to a public sewer. Industrial pollutants from 

the construction industry that might be regulated by CWA include solvents and adhesives. 

CWA Resources: 

■ 40 CFR Parts 100 to 129 and 400 to 503. 

■ Internet access: <www.epa.gov/OW/> 

■ EPA Office of Water: (202) 564-2240 

■	 Your state water authority, Regional EPA 

office, and local POTW. 

OIL POLLUTION PREVENTION 

UNDER THE CWA 

The Oil Pollution Prevention regulations 

were promulgated under the authority of the 

CWA. These regulations establish requirements 

for facilities to prevent oil spills from reaching 

the navigable waters of the United States or 

adjoining shorelines. The regulations apply to 

non-transportation-related facilities with a specific aboveground or underground oil storage 

capacity that, because of their location, can reasonably be expected to discharge oil into the 

navigable waters of the United States. 

Oil Pollution Prevention Regulation 

Resources: 

■ 40 CFR Part 112 

■ Internet Access: <www.epa.gov/oilspill/> 

The Clean Air Act (CAA) regulates air pollution. It includes national emission standards 

for new stationary sources within particular 

industrial categories. It also includes national 

emission standards, which are designed to control the emissions of particular hazardous air 

pollutants (HAPs). Construction sites generate 

some HAPs, such as volatile organic compounds in organic solvents and paints. The 

CAA also seeks to prevent the accidental release 

of certain hazardous chemicals and to minimize 

the consequences of such releases. 

CAA Resources: 

■ 40 CFR Parts 50 to 99 

■	 Control Technology Center, Office of Air 

Quality, Planning and Standards, EPA, 

General Information: (919) 541-0800; 

Publications (919) 541-2777 

■ Internet Access: <www.epa.gov/ttn/catc> 

ASBESTOS NATIONAL EMISSIONS 

STANDARDS FOR HAZARDOUS 

AIR POLLUTANTS (NESHAP) 

The Clean Air Act also regulates asbestos 

renovations and demolitions. The Asbestos 

National Emissions Standards for Hazardous 

Air Pollutants (NESHAP) relating to demolitions and renovations is a work practice standard, meaning it does not place specific numerical emission limitations for asbestos fibers on 

asbestos demolitions and removals. Instead, it 

requires specific actions to be taken to control 

emissions. For more information about the 

asbestos NESHAP, asbestos-related renovation 

or demolition in buildings other than schools, 

or transport and disposal of asbestos waste, contact the Small Business Asbestos Ombudsman 

at (800) 368-5888 or <www.epa.gov/sbo>. For 

questions regarding asbestos in private homes, 

contact your state or regional EPA asbestos representative at <www.epa.gov/opptintr/asbestos/ 

contacts.htm>. 

CFR GUIDE TO 

HAZARDOUS 

WASTE 

REGULATIONS 

To review the RCRA 

regulations referred to 

in this document, consult 

the following citations in 

40 CFR: 

■	 Part 260—Hazardous 

waste management 

system: general. 

■	 Part 261— Identification 

and listing of hazardous 

waste. 

■	 Part 262— Standards 

applicable to generators 

of hazardous waste. 

■	 Part 263— Standards 

applicable to transporters 

of hazardous waste. 

■	 Part 264— Standards for 

owners and operators of 

hazardous waste and 

specific types of 

hazardous waste 

management facilities. 

■	 Part 265— Interim 

status standards for 

owners and operators of 

TSDFs. 

■	 Part 266— Standards for 

the management of 

specific hazardous 

wastes and specific types 

of hazardous waste 

management facilities. 

■	 Part 268— Land disposal 

restrictions. 

■	 Part 270— EPA 

administered permit 

programs: the Hazardous 

Waste Permit Program. 

CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, AND RENOVATION 17

Environmental


COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY Laws

CFR GUIDE TO 

HAZARDOUS 

WASTE 

REGULATIONS 

continued 

■	 Part 271— 

Requirements for 

authorization of state 

hazardous waste 

programs. 

■	 Part 272— Approved 

state hazardous waste 

management programs. 

■	 Part 273— Standards 

for universal waste 

management. 

■	 Part 279— Standards 

for the management of 

used oil. 

FOR MORE 

INFORMATION 

For additional information on any of 

these laws, visit 

<www.cicacenter.org>. 

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS 

AFFECTING THE CONSTRUCTION

INDUSTRY 

COMPREHENSIVE chemicals used in your construction business 

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, are considered hazardous under OSHA.

ACT (CERCLA OR SUPERFUND) 

The Comprehensive Environmental 

Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 

(CERCLA) of 1980, commonly known as 

Superfund, authorizes EPA to respond to releases, or threatened releases, of hazardous substances that may endanger public health, welfare, or the environment, that might come from 

any source. Superfund also grants EPA the 

authority to force parties responsible for environmental contamination to clean it up or to 

reimburse response costs incurred by EPA. The 

most important part of this act applicable to 

construction sites is the hazardous substance 

release reporting requirement. The person in 

charge at your business must report to the 

National Response Center (800 424-8802), any 

release of a hazardous substance that exceeds a 

designated “reportable quantity” for that substance within a 24-hour period. 

Superfund Resources: 

■ Internet Access: <www.epa.gov/superfund/> 

THE EMERGENCY PLANNING AND 

COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT 

The Superfund Amendments and 

Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 created the 

Emergency Planning and Community Right-toKnow Act (EPCRA). This law was designed to 

improve community access to information about 

potential chemical hazards and to facilitate the 

development of chemical emergency response 

plans by state and local governments. The 

EPCRA regulations establish several types of 

reporting obligations for facilities that store or 

manage specified chemicals. Certain notification 

requirements apply to construction sites that use 

or store extremely hazardous substances. Also, 

many of the chemicals used by the construction 

industry, such as solvents, adhesives, and pigments, may be considered hazardous chemicals 

as defined by the Occupational Safety and 

Health Act (OSHA). Contact your local OSHA 

office if you have questions about whether the 

EPCRA Resources: 

■ 40 CFR Parts 350 to 372 

■	 The State Emergency Response Commission 

<www.epa.gov/ceppo/serclist.htm>. 

■	 Internet Access: 

<www.epa.gov/opptintr/tri/index.htm> and 

<www.epa.gov/swercepp/> 

SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT 

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) mandates that EPA establish regulations to protect 

human health from contaminants present in 

drinking water. Under the authority of the 

SDWA, EPA developed national drinking water 

standards and created a joint federal-state system 

to ensure compliance with these standards. EPA 

also regulates underground injection of liquid 

wastes under the SDWA to protect underground 

sources of drinking water. 

SDWA Resources: 

■ 40 CFR Parts 141-148 

■ SDWA Hotline: (800) 426-4791 

■ Internet Access: <www.epa.gov/ogwdw/> 

TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL 

ACT 

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) 

allows EPA to collect data on chemicals to evaluate, assess, mitigate, and control risks which may 

be posed by their manufacture, processing, and 

use. Construction sites may be affected by some 

of the TSCA requirements. 

TSCA Resources: 

■ 40 CFR Parts 702 to 799 

■ TSCA Hotline: (202) 554-1404 

■	 Internet Access: 

<www.epa.gov/internet/oppts/> 

18 RCRA IN FOCUS

Resources


CONTACTS AND RESOURCES Contacts and

U.S. EPA RESOURCES 

EPA’s Construction and Demolition 

Debris Web Page 

Web: www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/debris 

Defines construction and demolition debris, provides 

background information, and provides a link to EPA’s 

report, entitled “Characterization of Building-Related 

Construction and Demolition Debris in the United 

States.” 

Web: www.epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/solidwaste/ 

construction.htm 

The Region 5 web site provides information on recycling waste at construction and demolition sites. 

Managing Your Environmental 

Responsibilities—A Planning Guide 

for Construction and Development 

Available at www.cicacenter.org 

RCRA Hazardous Waste Resources 

Web: www.epa.gov/osw/topics.htm 

Provides an alphabetical, clickable index of waste topics. 

Links to other sections of the EPA site for more information. 

RCRA Information Center 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


RCRA Information Center (5305W)


1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.


Washington, DC 20460


Phone: (703) 603-9230


Fax: (703) 603-9234


E-mail: rcra-docket@epamail.epa.gov


Holds and provides public access to all regulatory mate-


rials on RCRA and distributes technical and non-tech­


nical information on RCRA issues.


Envirosense 

Web: www.epa.gov/envirosense/index.html

An EPA site containing technical, policy, and general 

information on pollution prevention topics. 

Headquarters Library 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


Headquarters Library


1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (3404T)


Washington, DC 20460


Phone: (202) 566-0556


Fax: (202) 566-0562


E-mail: library-hq@epa.gov

Web: www.epa.gov/natlibra/hqirc/about.htm

Maintains environmental reference materials for EPA


staff and the general public, including books, journals,


abstracts, newsletters, and audiovisual materials generat­


ed by government agencies and the private sector. Also


provides access to online computer service bulletin


boards and CD/ROM systems.


Jobs Through Recycling 

Construction Web Page 

Web: www.epa.gov/jtr/comm/construc.htm

Section of EPA’s Jobs Through Recycling Web Site that 

addresses recycling of construction materials. Provides 

information on recycling markets for construction and 

demolition debris. 

Comprehensive Procurement Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 

Guidelines Superintendent of Documents 

Web: www.epa.gov/cpg U.S. Government Printing Office 

Phone: (866) 512-1800 

EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guideline Program (202) 512-1800 (DC area)

specifies recycled-content products, including construction materials, for federal government use. 

National Lead Information Center 

Phone: (800) 424-LEAD (5323)


Fax: (301) 585-6151


Web: www.epa.gov/lead/nlic.htm

Distributes information about lead hazards and their


prevention.


Pollution Prevention Information 

Clearinghouse (PPIC) 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse


(PPIC)


1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (7407)


Washington, DC 20460


Phone: (202) 260-1023


Fax: (202) 260-4659


Email: ppic@epamail.epa.gov

A free, nonregulatory EPA service dedicated to reducing


or eliminating industrial pollutants through technology


transfer, education, and public awareness. Provides links


to EPA pollution prevention resources.


Small Business Ombudsman 

Clearinghouse/Hotline 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency


Small Business Ombudsman (2131)


1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.


Washington, DC 20460


Phone: (800) 368-5888


Fax: (703) 305-6462


Web: www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org

Helps private citizens, small businesses, and smaller


communities with questions on all program aspects


within EPA.


OTHER FEDERAL AND STATE 

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES 

Other Federal Resources 

Army Corps Construction 

Engineering Research Lab 

ERDC-CERL


PO Box 9005


Champaign, IL 61826-9005


Web: www.cecer.army.mil

CERL, a part of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and


Development Center, conducts research and develop­


ment to support environmentally sustainable military


installations. To carry out its mission, CERL works


extensively with the academic community and public


industry, facilitating technology and knowledge transfer


between the private and government sectors.


Web: http://bookstore.gpo.gov 

Most of the RCRA requirements are contained in Title 

400, Parts 260 to 299 contains. Order from the U.S. 

Government Printing Office. 

Naval Facilities Engineering Service 

Center 

Web: http://enviro.nfesc.navy.mil

Engineering Services section of the Naval Facilities 

Engineering Service Center. 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

(DOT) 

Hazardous Materials Information Center


Phone: (800) 467-4922


Web: http://hazmat.dot.gov/ 


Provides information about DOT’s hazardous materials


regulations.


U.S. General Services 

Administration’s Construction Waste 

Management Database 

Web: http://cwm.gsa.gov

Searchable online database contains nationwide information on companies that haul, collect, and process 

debris from construction projects. 

USDA Forest Products Lab 

One Gifford Pinchot Drive


Madison, WI 53726-2398


Phone: (608) 231-9200


Fax: (608) 231-9592


Web: www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/


recycling_wood.htm 


The nation’s leading wood research institute, recog­


nized nationally and internationally as an unbiased


source of information on wood science and use.


State Resources 

Construction and Demolition Waste 

Recovery: Processing, Recycling, 

Burning and Transport 

Web: www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/air/reg/ 

asbestos/asbes6.htm

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Web site 

outlines a number of issues related to construction and 

demolition waste. 

CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, AND RENOVATION 19

Contacts and 

Integrated Waste Management 

Board’s Construction and 

Demolition (C&D) Recycling 

Program 

Web: www.ciwmb.ca.gov/ConDemo

A California Web site that allows users to search a 

database of facilities within and outside of California 

that collect specific types of construction and demolition debris for reuse or recycling. 

University of Florida Powell Center 

for Construction & Environment 

Rinker Hall Room 304 

P.O. Box 115703 

Gainesville, FL 33711-5703 

Contact: Dr. Charles Kibert 

Phone: (352) 273-1189” 

E-mail: ckibert@ufl.edu

Web: <www.cce.ufl.edu> 

Fosters the implementation of sustainability principles into the creation of the built environment, 

ensuring that energy, water, materials, and land are 

utilized efficiently and that renewable and recyclable 

resources are emphasized. 

MATERIALS EXCHANGE 

RESOURCES 

EPA’s Listing of International, 

National, and State-Specific 

Material Exchanges 

Web: www.epa.gov/jtr/comm/exchange.htm 

Defines and describes materials and waste 

exchanges, and provides contact information for 

state, national, and international material exchanges. 

Materials Exchange Organizations 

Index 

Web: www.recycle.net/recycle/exch 

Alphabetical listing of materials exchanges. 

RecycleXchange 

Web: www.recyclexchange.com/exchange

Classified advertisements for buying and selling various materials, including construction and demolition 

debris. 

Recycling Exchange Links on the 

Small Business Environmental 

Home Page 

Web: www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org/pollution/ 

recycling_links.html

Listing of helpful resource links for small businesses 

interested in increasing their recycling efforts. 

TRADE, PROFESSIONAL, 

AND ADVOCACY 

ASSOCIATIONS AND 

ORGANIZATIONS 

Construction Industry Compliance 

Assistance Center (CICA) 

www.cicacenter.org 

The CICA Web site provides plain language explanations of environmental rules for the construction 

industry and links to detailed information, including 

state regulations. 

Construction Materials Recycling 

Association 

P.O. Box 644


Lisle, IL 60532


Phone: (630) 548-4510


Fax: (630) 548-4511


Email: turley@cdrecycling.org


Web: www.cdrecycling.org

Contact: William Turley


A national association that promotes the recycling


and reuse of construction and demolition materials.


American Association of State 

Highway and Transportation 

Officials (AASHTO) 

444 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 249


Washington, DC 20001


Phone: (202) 624-5800


Fax: (202) 624-5806


Email: info@aashto.org

Web: www.transporation.org


Association representing highway and transportation


departments in all 50 states, the District of


Columbia, and Puerto Rico.


Asphalt Recycling & Reclaiming 

Association 

PMB 250


#3 Church Circle


Annapolis, MD 21401


Phone: (410) 267-0023


Fax: (410) 267-7546


E-Mai: MemberServices@arra.org 


Web: www.arra.org


Serves as a network for asphalt recycling information


exchange and technology transfer among profession­


als in the highway industry.


Associated General Contractors of 

America 

333 John Carlyle Street


Suite 200


Alexandria, VA 22314


Phone: (703) 548-3118


Fax: (703) 548-3119


E-Mail: info@agc.org

Web: www.agc.org


Organization of construction contractors and indus­


try-related companies dedicated to improving the


construction industry by educating the industry


about the latest skills, technology, and products.


Select “Environmental Services” and


“Environmental Publications.


Building Deconstruction 

Consortium 

Web: www.denix.osd.mil/denix/Public/Library/

Sustain/BDC/bdc.html

A network of building professionals working to 

maximize reuse of building materials. The network 

identifies and develops technical resources to 

encourage building material reuse that is fiscally, 

environmentally, and occupationally sound. 

Center for Resourceful Building 

Technology 

P.O. Box 100 

Missoula, MT 59806 

Phone: (406) 549-7678 

Fax: (406) 549-4100 

E-Mail: crbt@ncat.org

Web: www.crbt.org

Dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible 

construction practices and containing information 

on recycled-content building products and environmental building techniques. 

Deconstruction Institute 

1143 Central Avenue 


Sarasota, FL 34236


Phone: (941) 358-7730


Fax: (941) 362-4290


Web: www.deconstructioninstitute.com


Web site provides educational materials, tools and


techniques, networking, case studies, articles, facts,


and many other downloadable and interactive mod­


ules about the environmental impacts of building


deconstruction.


Institute for Local Self-Reliance 

927 15th St. NW, 4th Floor 

Washington, DC 20005 

Phone: (202) 898-1610 

Web: www.ilsr.org 

Organization helping community groups, government leaders, and entrepreneurs develop environmentally friendly economic strategies that contribute 

to sustainable economic systems. 

20 RCRA IN FOCUS

Resources 


National Association of Demolition 

Contractors (NADC) 

16 North Franklin Street


Suite 203


Doylestown, PA 18901-3536


Phone: (800) 541-2412


Fax: (215) 348-8422


E-mail: info@demolitionassociation.com

Web: www.demolitionassociation.com

The National Association of Demolition


Contractors represents over 850 demolition contrac­


tors and 200 associated industry companies world-


wide. NADC facilitates education and communica­


tion regarding safety and technology between indus­


try members and regulators.


National Association of Home 

Builders (NAHB) 

1201 15th Street, NW


Washington, DC 20005


Phone: (800) 368-5242 or (202) 822-0200 within the


Washington, DC metropolitan area. 


E-mail: info@NAHB.org

Web: www.nahb.org


Organization representing home builders.


Participates in a partnership, known as Build


American Beautiful, along with Keep American


Beautiful, Inc., a national nonprofit organization


dedicated to improving waste practices. Build


American Beautiful recognizes contractors who keep


construction sites clean and make efforts to recycle


and reduce wastes.


National Association of Home 

Builders Research Center 

400 Prince George’s Blvd


Upper Marlboro, MD 20774


Phone: (301) 249-4000, (800) 638-8556


Fax: (301) 430-6180


E-mail: webmaster@nahbrc.org

Web: www.nahbrc.org


A wholly owned subsidiary of NAHB, which aims


to keep government agencies, manufacturers,


builders, and remodelers on the leading edge of


home construction technology.


The Recycled Materials Resource 

Center 

220 Environmental Technology Building


35 Calvos Road


Durham, NH 03824


Phone: (603) 862-4704 


Fax: (603) 862-3957


E-Mail: rmrc@rmrc.unh.edu 


Web: www.rmrc.unh.edu 


National center that serves as the principal point of


contact for the use of recycled materials (pavements,


secondary waste, by-product materials) in the high-


way environment.


The Reuse People, Inc. 

2100 Ferry Point #150


Alameda, CA 94501


Phone: (510) 522-2722


E-mail: info@TheReusePeople.org


Web: www.thereusepeople.org 


A nonprofit corporation dedicated to reducing the


solid waste stream entering our landfills by diverting


and salvaging usable building materials and provid­


ing them to individuals, businesses and families,


including low-income families in Mexico.


Shinglerecycling.org 

Web: www.shinglerecycling.org

An online resource center developed by EPA, the 

University of Florida, CMRA, and the National 

Roofing Contractors Association, 

shinglerecycling.org provides comprehensive information regarding shingle recycling, including barriers to recycling, recycling markets, regulatory concerns, and links to other resources. 

Steel Recycling Institute 

680 Andersen Drive


Pittsburgh PA 15220-2700 


Phone: (800) YES-1-CAN (937-1226)


E-mail: sri@recycle-steel.org

Web: www.recycle-steel.org


National trade association representing the steel


industry and providing steel recycling information,


links, and a database of steel recyclers in the United


States.


U.S. Green Building Council 

1015 18th Street, NW., Suite 805


Washington, DC 20036


Phone: (202) 82-USGBC (828-7422)


Fax: (202) 828-5110


Web: www.usgbc.org 

The mission of this coalition is to accelerate the


adoption of green building practices, technologies,


policies, and standards.


Used Building Materials 

Association 

1702 Walnut Street

Boulder, CO 80302

Phone: (303) 440-0703 


A nonprofit organization that represents companies


and organizations involved in the acquisition and


redistribution of used building materials. 


CONSTRUCTION, DEMOLITION, AND RENOVATION 21


Fax: (303) 441-4367



Web: www.ubma.org
Environmental Protection 

United States 

Agency 

1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. (5305W) 

Washington, DC 20460 Official Business Penalty for Private Use $300 

1EPA