Construction and Demolition Disposal Information and Requirements

Construction and demolition recycling options

Source separation and commingled recycling are two ways to recycle construction and demolition (C&D) materials. The preferred method is source separation, but there are pros and cons to both.

Source separation

Source separation programs manage construction and demolition recyclables on site. Separating materials on the jobsite is more cost-effective than disposal or commingling. 

The average recycling rates for source separation is over 90%. The materials find new uses through the manufacture of recycled-content building materials.

The biggest drawback with source separation is space. Each type of recyclable C&D material needs its own container.

A list of facilities and hauling companies that accept C&D for recycling is on the What do I do with...? page.

Commingled recycling

Commingled recycling is often a better option for jobsites with limited space. Your project will need fewer containers when all recyclable C&D materials go into the same container. These materials are then hauled to a designated sorting facility for separation.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to get accurate recycling rates for commingled recycling. However, recycling rates are much lower than source separation in general. In these programs, materials like drywall and carpet are often disposed of as garbage. To track recycling rates, commingled programs can use the facility's recycling rate.

A list of facilities that accept commingled C&D materials is on the designated facilities page.

King County requirements for recycling construction and demolition materials

Construction and demolition disposal at solid waste division facilities—small residential loads only

• King County transfer stations accept small loads of construction and demolition (C&D) materials for disposal.
• Transfer stations will accept small amounts of C&D in larger non-C&D generated loads.
• Only vehicles without dump beds may dispose of C&D at Solid Waste Division transfer stations.
• You may bring materials to a transfer station in a trailer. Total length from bumper to bumper may not exceed 30 feet. Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Shoreline, and Vashon can accommodate up to 40 feet.
• Dump trailers are not allowed for the disposal of C&D materials.
• Materials may not exceed eight feet in length.
• Bulky items (concrete blocks) cannot be larger than two feet by two feet by two feet, and must weigh less than 200 pounds.
• Bow Lake, Enumclaw, and Shoreline transfer stations accept loads of separated clean wood, cardboard, and metal for recycling. Materials must meet dimension and weight restrictions. No vehicle restrictions apply.

Options for commercial and large residential loads of construction and demolition materials

Commercial and large residential loads of construction and demolition (C&D) are not accepted at King County Solid Waste Division facilities. In compliance with Ordinace 18166, these materials need to go to a designated C&D processor or waste transfer facility. 

Additional requirements

• Ordinance 18166 details the full requirements for C&D recycling.
• Vehicles without dump beds can take small loads of C&D to King County transfer stations.
• You may not transport C&D waste in a bulk shipping container directly from jobsites to landfills. Some exceptions apply.
• Washington State regulation WAC 173-345-040 requires jobsites that recycle to use a separate container for waste. 

Common construction and demolition terms

Construction and demolition materials

Construction and demolition (C&D) materials come from construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition of buildings. There are recyclable and non-recyclable materials. This includes:

• Wood
• Concrete
• Drywall
• Masonry
• Roofing and siding
• Structural metal
• Wire
• Insulation
• Packaging materials

To learn more, refer to the King County Solid Waste Division Director's List of Readily Recyclable Construction and Demolition (C&D) Banned from Disposal at a Landfill.

Mixed construction and demolition materials

Commingled recyclable and non-recyclable C&D materials. Containers with mixed C&D go to designated sorting facilities for sorting.

Source separated construction and demolition materials

Separating C&D materials for recycling at the jobsite. Source separated recycling has the highest recycling rates, but requires a container for each type of material.

Alternative Daily Cover (ADC)

Federal regulations require a daily cover to improve health and safety around landfills. The non-earthen material is placed over the active face of a municipal landfill at the end of each day. Covering the active face controls vectors, fires, odors, blowing litter, and scavenging.