Construction and Demolition Debris

There are many good reasons to recycle on construction, demolition and deconstruction projects, including reducing your costs (recycling is generally less expensive than disposal at $105 per ton), earning LEED and Built Green points, conserving materials and protecting the environment, supporting and creating local jobs and businesses, and making the world a better place for future generations.

Garbage

In Snohomish County, all construction and demolition project locations must have a separate and properly marked container for all garbage/non-recyclable construction and demolition waste. This container must be taken to Snohomish County Solid Waste Facilities for proper disposal, either by the owner/contractor for the project, or by solid waste haulers that have legal authority to transport waste. Find the solid waste disposal company in your project’s area. (view map, pdf)

Recycling

Recyclable construction and demolition materials are those materials that are separated from the garbage at the job site,  are placed in a separate properly-marked container (or containers) for recycling, and are actually recycled by a facility that receives the materials. It is important that only recyclables be placed in the containers, and they cannot have more than 10% accidental and incidental non-recyclables to comply with local requirements. A variety of businesses are allowed to transport the recyclables. You can research options a variety of ways, including by searching the Department of Ecology Web site. They should provide you clear information on what materials they recycle and only those materials should be put in the recycling containers. Recycling containers can only be transported to recycling facilities, not to disposal facilities.

Make Job Site Recycling Easier

Your recycling service provider should provide you with information for use on the job site so workers know what can be recycled. You can also use our materials or create your own. See the sample “job shack” checklist and “pocket sized” checklists below, along with accompanying Word templates. These are samples and will be revised over time, so please revisit this Web site.

For More Information

• View an explanation of Snohomish County requirements regarding proper handling of waste/non recyclable construction and demolition debris.
• Answers to many questions and more details are also available.
• Tools for contractors:
  • Sample "Job Shack" Materials Checklist. Print and use this "Yes/No Materials Checklist" (pdf) for each job site to show which items are being recycled, or use this Word template to create your own.
  • Sample "Pocket-sized" Materials Checklists. Print and use this smaller version of a "Yes/No Materials List" for employees' easy reference (quarter sheet - pdf; bookmark - pdf), or use this Word template to create your own.

Please revisit this page periodically as more information will be provided in the coming months.