Sustainable Construction: Ocean County’s Construction and Demolition Waste Guide
As Ocean County continues to grow, so does the volume of construction and demolition (C&D) waste produced by new projects.
Every year, more buildings are renovated, demolished, and built. In response, more construction and demolition management resources appear to help remove waste and protect the environment.
By 2027, The Business Research Company estimates that the global C&D management market will have reached a staggering $243.56 billion. Contractors and construction companies need safe ways to handle debris, and the industry is responding accordingly.
At 1-800-JUNK-GONE, we pride ourselves on being leaders within the construction waste disposal industry. Our services make it easy for project managers to safely get rid of debris without harming New Jersey residents or the surrounding environment.
Through this guide, we aim to help contractors and homeowners understand the importance of sustainable construction garbage disposal. We’ll dive into the specifics of C&D waste management, as well as the risks associated with failing to recycle or responsibly dispose of certain materials.
Let’s dive in.
Understanding C&D Waste in Ocean County
First things first, when we refer to construction waste, we’re talking about a mix of materials left over from the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings, roads, and other structures.
According to the EPA, in just one year, construction and demolition debris accounted for more than twice the amount of generated municipal solid waste in the United States. This makes C&D one of the most pressing concerns for the waste management industry.
In the Ocean County area, common C&D garbage materials include:
Concrete
Concrete is essential for foundational work and is commonly used for sidewalks, driveways, and roads across New Jersey due to its durability and strength. Its heavy weight and robustness make it ideal for structural projects, but also challenging to dispose of.
Fortunately, concrete is highly recyclable, as it can be crushed and repurposed for future projects, such as in road-based materials. In fact, BBC research indicates that the recycled concrete market is growing at a 9.3% rate annually.
Wood
Wood remains a staple in New Jersey’s residential and commercial building projects. Used in framing, flooring, and roofing, wood provides flexibility in construction.
Every year, it’s estimated that the USA creates about 300 million tons of wood waste, and at least 12 million of those wind up in landfills.
As a result, sustainable practices heavily encourage reusing and recycling wood when possible. Reclaimed wood can be used in everything from structural frameworks to decorative features in modern builds.
Drywall
Drywall is a mainstay in interior construction, creating walls and ceilings in nearly every type of building. Lightweight and easy to install, drywall can be recycled when it’s kept clean and uncontaminated.
According to USGS Publications Warehouse, several million tons of gypsum waste are generated annually during building demolition and wallboard installation. The good news is that the gypsum within drywall can be reused in new wallboards or as an additive in soil conditioning, helping prevent it from contributing to U.S. landfills.
Asphalt
Asphalt is widely used in paving driveways, roads, and roofing shingles in New Jersey. Throughout the U.S., the National Asphalt Pavement Association reports that about 94% of paved roads are surfaced with asphalt.
Due to its high reusability, asphalt from Ocean County roofing or road resurfacing can be ground down and repurposed for new paving projects, helping reduce reliance on new raw materials and supporting circular economy practices in the construction industry.
Challenges and Opportunities for C&D Recycling
Challenges
Sorting and Handling
Sorting and handling construction waste effectively requires a significant amount of labor and time. Materials like concrete, asphalt, and wood must be separated at the job site or recycling facility to be recycled.
Often, these materials are mixed together after a demo or construction project, making it difficult to separate for recycling. This is one of the big factors that deter many NJ contractors from pursuing recycling options and reduces overall recycling rates.
Cost and Convenience
Many project managers and contractors worry that recycling construction waste or demolition waste can be costly. While this may be true in some cases, some states (such as California) have found that it can actually be more cost-effective to recycle than to pay for proper disposal methods.
Still, cost concerns prevent many projects from using more sustainable recycling methods, especially for small construction firms.
Illegal Dumping
Unlawful dumping of construction and demolition waste is a persistent issue in Ocean County, as it is in much of the country. Americans are estimated to illegally dump almost 1.5 million tons of trash each year, much of which may come from construction projects.
Dumping waste in unauthorized areas not only harms the local environment but also incurs cleanup costs for the county and potential fines for those caught. Left unchecked, illegal construction waste dumping can damage local ecosystems, create health hazards, and mar the natural beauty of the region.
Lawmakers in many New Jersey cities are cracking down on illegal dumping, establishing fines of up to $10,000. However, this is still a persistent and impactful problem in our state.
Opportunities
Local Recycling Facilities
There is good news amongst the bad!
Ocean County is home to several recycling centers specializing in construction debris, offering convenient options for responsible waste management. Many facilities accept a variety of materials, making it easier to recycle multiple types of construction waste in one trip.
These local facilities play a crucial role in supporting the community’s environmental goals and reducing the carbon footprint associated with new construction.
Reduced Landfill Waste
In 2018 alone, the EPA reported that the U.S. generated over 600 million tons of construction-related waste. Imagine if even a small percentage of that were to go straight to dumps every year.
Fortunately, Rubicon estimates that recycling 538 million tons of construction and demolition waste saves up to 4,3000 acres of landfill space. By diverting construction debris from landfills, recycling efforts reduce environmental strain and support long-term sustainability.
Increased Demand for Reclaimed Materials
Reclaimed construction waste materials are becoming popular among contractors and homeowners alike who want to reduce their environmental footprint. Reusing items like reclaimed wood or recycled asphalt helps preserve natural resources and supports sustainable building practices.
This demand not only supports the environment but also promotes cost savings in construction by reducing the need for new materials.
Actionable Steps for Contractors and Homeowners
You might be wondering: as a small contractor, business owner, project manager, or homeowner, what can you do to make sure C&D waste is managed responsibly? Well, here are some crucial steps you can take.
1. Locate Recycling Centers in Ocean County
According to BBC Research, there’s a rising global demand for sustainable construction materials, and it’s propelling the recycled concrete market as well as a general interest in reusing old materials.
Interested in recycling the unused or waste materials from your project? Here’s a list of facilities that accept construction debris in Ocean County, including the types of materials each facility can handle:
- Ocean County Northern Recycling Center in Lakewood, NJ – Accepts concrete, asphalt, wood, and metal.
- Brick Township Recycling Center in Brick, NJ – Specializes in asphalt and concrete recycling.
- Jackson Township C&D Facility in Jackson, NJ – Processes wood, drywall, and metal waste. Location
Before visiting these centers or any others, we recommend calling to confirm what materials they accept and any drop-off requirements they may have, especially for demolition waste.
2. Best Practices for Responsible C&D Waste Management
Plan Ahead
Before beginning a project, identify which materials can be recycled or reused (and which cannot). Sorting materials at the beginning makes it easier to handle C&D waste in an eco-friendly way.
If you’re an Ocean County contractor, you can also plan for disposal trips to nearby facilities to reduce downtime and ensure a smooth recycling process.
Partner with Sustainable Disposal Services
Professional waste removal services, such as our team at 1-800-JUNK-GONE, provide convenient, eco-friendly options for C&D waste disposal. This allows us to help reduce the burden on contractors and homeowners.
Partnering with services that prioritize recycling helps make sure your materials are handled sustainably while keeping your projects efficient and cost-effective.
Avoid Contamination
As you oversee construction or demolition projects, try to keep your materials clean and free from contaminants, like paint or adhesives, so they remain recyclable.
For example, separating wood with paint from untreated wood allows recycling facilities to process each properly. Clean materials also fetch higher values in recycling markets, making it a win for both the environment and the project budget.
By taking these steps, Ocean County residents can support sustainable construction practices and help reduce the environmental impact of their projects.
Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner, managing C&D waste responsibly is a powerful way to contribute to a greener future for the community.
Sustainable Construction Starts with Responsible Waste Management
Every year, Ocean County continues to expand. As more buildings are demolished or built, local contractors and property owners are going to have to find responsible methods of construction garbage disposal.
Through recycling, reusing, and partnering with trusted disposal services, New Jersey organizations can reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future for all of us.
Looking for Fast, Eco-Friendly Construction Debris Removal?
That’s what we’re here to help with.
1-800-JUNK-GONE specializes in efficient and safe construction waste disposal. We’ll visit your construction site, assess your waste, and help you make smart decisions about recycling and disposing of various materials.
Together, we can help build a greener Ocean County. Get a quote from our team today!
