A local pilot project diverted nearly 700 tons of construction debris from the city landfill over a year and saved the four companies involved more than $20,000, according to a report released this week.
Lincoln-based EcoStores Nebraska, with a grant from the city Public Works Department, ran the pilot program in calendar year 2015.
The project envisioned a 12-month feasibility/demonstration study for the establishment of public policy and practices for a Lincoln-based Construction & Demolition Waste Management System.
As part of the project, four companies -- Ayars & Ayars, Kingery Construction, Sampson Construction and Speedway Properties -- volunteered to recycle construction waste and debris from four specific construction projects.
At the end of the 12 months, nearly 677 tons of waste and debris had been diverted from the city landfill.
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The report estimated the total savings to the companies at $20,776.54, or nearly $5,200 apiece. That was based on the landfill tipping fees saved and the return on selling scrap metal.
Craig Steward, EcoStores manager, said the numbers alone show the importance of recycling construction debris, both from the standpoint of monetary gain and items diverted from the landfill.
“Recycling C&D waste promotes sustainable building, saves natural resources, and is the right thing to do,†he said in a news release. “Companies that routinely recycle on their job sites find it easy, and they realize savings in reduced disposal costs.â€
According to the report, 41 percent of landfill material, about 170 million tons a year, is construction debris, and seven of the top 10 materials sent to landfills are building materials.
To see the full report, go to: