CRD Waste Composition Graph Details

Wood

Wood waste represents the largest fraction of waste material generated within the CRD industry. In construction, wood waste is generated during framing, from damaged concrete forms, pallets and packing crates, as well as from site excavation of trees and brush for new construction. During renovation and demolition activities, wood is generated from the removal of wooden structural components. If careful deconstruction techniques are followed, significant amounts of reusable wood can be salvaged. Wood that is removed from a structure and is of a suitable size can be remilled into smaller wood products if its surface is too blemished for immediate resale. Wood scraps can be processed into chips that can be used as landscape mulch, fuel, compost amendment, livestock bedding, and road stabilization. They can also be used for erosion control on construction sites and as fibre for the production of roofing materials. Several waste wood re-sellers and processors operate in Alberta.

Cardboard

Cardboard waste is generated from packaging materials in construction and renovation projects. If uncontaminated, cardboard can be easily recycled into new paper products. Most Alberta communities have well-developed recycling system.

Concrete and Asphalt

Concrete and asphalt waste is primarily generated during municipal and commercial projects in which buildings, roads, sidewalks, sewer works, and curbs are removed. Generally, these materials are processed into a new aggregate product by crushing and screening the crushed material to specific size ranges. The concrete and asphalt end-product can be substituted in applications where new aggregate is used – for instance, in asphalt pavement and new concrete production, as a road base, and as backfill. Several mobile and stationary recyclers operate in Alberta

Drywall

Recyclable drywall waste is generated primarily through new construction and renovation projects. Drywall waste is processed through a grinder or hammer mill that chips or pulverizes the gypsum and shreds the paper backing. It is then screened to separate the two materials. Processed wallboard can be reprocessed into new drywall, used as a soil amendment for agricultural applications and a buffer in acidic soils, and incorporated into landscaping mulch, or used as animal bedding. Alberta drywall recycling opportunities are currently evolving.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingle waste is produced from residential new roof and re-roofing activities. It can be ground and used for addition to hot and cold asphalt mixes for road, parking lot and pathway paving, and sub-base applications. Alberta asphalt shingle recycling opportunities are currently evolving.

Other

Other building materials consist primarily of glass, metal, insulation, carpet and underlay, floor and ceiling tiles, and electrical and plumbing fixtures. These materials can be salvaged from any renovation or demolition project. Glass can be removed intact for resale, or it can be recovered and recycled. Reinforcing metals, structural metal such as building frames and metal studs, wiring, duct work, and pipes can be resold for its intended use, or it can be sold to metal recyclers. Carpets that are in good condition can be reused or sent to a carpet recycler. Used building material re-sellers are located in most Alberta communities.