Construction & Demolition Debris - Residents

Remodeling? Building? Tearing down?

If you are, you have an opportunity to reduce the disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) debris by reusing, repurposing, and recycling.

What are items that can be recovered? The list includes:

•    Kitchen cabinets and sinks;
•    Bathroom sinks, vanities, tubs, and toilets;
•    Doors;
•    Energy-efficient windows;
•    Hardwood flooring;
•    Stone or solid-surface countertops;
•    Lighting fixtures;
•    Lumber;
•    Gypsum wallboard;
•    Working, newer appliances; and
•    Landscape material (e.g., bricks, pavers, stone).

Tips when using a contractor:

• Ask how much and what type of waste will be generated and how it will be managed. Can it be reused or recycled?
• Work out a plan. There are more than 80 C&D debris recyclers (PDF) throughout South Carolina.     

Tips for do-it-yourself projects:

• Deconstruct:  Deconstruction is the careful dismantling of a building or room to salvage material that can be reused, repurposed, or recycled.
• Repurpose: Repurposing is the use of an item for a purpose other than its original intended use. It can be done by modifying an item to fit a new use or by using the item in a new way (e.g., converting a door into a table). 
• Donate: There are non-profit organizations that want useable household items and material. Habitat for Humanity ReStores, for example, accept new and gently used appliances, building material, furniture, household goods and more. These donations may be tax deductible. 
• Give away or sell: Got useable items? Consider placing an ad in a community newspaper or an online market (e.g., social media group, thrifting website). Have a yard sale. Some counties offer swap shops where residents can leave usable products. 
• Recycle: Learn if there are local recycling options here.

Additional Information

Landscaping Material

Many county programs have composting or mulching operations and may accept landscape waste. Learn what options are available in your community.

Paint

Paint has the most recovery opportunities. If usable, try to donate to a school, non-profit, or other group. Some counties accept latex-based and/or oil-based paint for reuse or recycling. If the paint cannot be used, donated, or recycled, properly prepare it for disposal following these steps. 

•    Remove the lid and allow the paint to dry. Do this in a well-ventilated area away from children and pets.
•    Add cat litter, shredded paper, sand, or saw dust to speed up the drying process.
•    Once completely dry, dispose of the paint with household garbage.