Recycling Building Materials in California

Their website is designed for California consumers, businesses, recycling and waste-hauling industries, nonprofit organizations, educational facilities, and others.   The site provides information on programs that are important to the long-term vitality of California’s environment and economy.   Helpful articles and advice!

Deconstruction, Salvage and Reuse Methods

European street during deconstruction

Read an interesting case study on the reuse of natural stone that I thought was worth sharing.  One interesting comment was directed to the search for recycled stone dealers.  If you are reading this, you will find recycled cobblestone among the many natural stone products we offer at Monarch Stone International.  Here is an excerpt from the study:

…”The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that by the year 2030, approximately one fourth of the buildings that existed in 2000 will be replaced.  The number of buildings that will be demolished and the waste produced will therefore be extensive; however, if these buildings are deconstructed and the components sold for reuse, most of this waste – up to 90% – can be diverted from the waste stream, and new buildings can consume less money during construction.  Additionally, reuse of stone will result in a more favorable environmental profile for the building due to avoiding consumption of the energy, water, and materials needed to extract and fabricate new products.

The greatest hindrances to successful material salvage are a lack of communication among professionals and the absence of an organized system for the sale of the components and materials. However, if designers weave extra research into the design process, materials can be selected from salvage yards or even existing buildings slated for demolition. The Internet will prove valuable in creating a marketplace for salvaged materials in the near future….”

To read the entire document, please see: CASE STUDY: The Uses of Reclaimeded Stone in Building Construction, Prepared By The University of Tennessee Center for Clean Products, April 2009.  Prepared for the Natural Stone Council.