Public Works: Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there any additional City fees associated with these requirements?
- Am I required to use Richmond Sanitary Service to haul recyclable and non-recyclable debris?
- May I self-haul the debris?
- Can I salvage or reuse materials, fixtures and appliances?
- How do I estimate the weight of materials reused or salvaged?
- How do I comply with the Diversion Goal if more than 50% of the debris generated is not recyclable?
- What is the penalty for not complying with the Ordinance?
- Are these requirements really necessary?
If you other questions regarding the C & D Ordinance, contact Bob Akiyama, Building Official, at (510) 420-3062.
Are there any additional City fees associated with these requirements?
No. There are no additional City fees associated with the requirement to recycle C&D debris.
Am I required to use Richmond Sanitary Service to haul recyclable and non-recyclable debris?
Yes. Richmond Sanitary Service has an exclusive franchise for the removal of solid waste and recyclable material from properties within the City limits.
May I self-haul the debris?
Contractors or any other paid hauler other than Richmond Sanitary Service MAY NOT remove the debris for the property owner exceptions include:
- Materials for which the property owner received payment
- Materials that are donated by the property owner to a youth, civic, or charitable organization
- Materials that are transported personally by the property owner to the solid waste and/or recycling facility
- Construction and demolition debris where the property owner holds a building permit with a construction value of $50,000 or less, and such construction project was done by the property owner, or done as part of a total service offered by a licensed company or by the City, and where the licensed company uses its own equipment and employees, and no debris boxes are used for the collection and transportation of such construction and demolition debris
Can I salvage or reuse materials, fixtures and appliances?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to salvage and reuse materials and fixtures such as bricks, windows, light fixtures, porcelain fixtures, fireplace mantles and more per the Salvaged Material Form (SMF). If you do salvage or reuse, you will need to submit a SMF along with weight estimates and receipts from salvage vendors to the City to document that you have diverted at least 50% of the C&D materials from the landfill. Please refer to the Builders’ Guide to Reuse & Recycling for information on salvage and reuse service providers which is available at City Hall.
How do I estimate the weight of materials reused or salvaged?
You should use the City approved Conversion Table for Salvage and Reuse to estimate the weight of these materials.
The following conversion rates are estimates. The ranges vary widely, depending on how the materials are handled (compacted, loose, chipped, etc.). Use the conversion factors and receipts from previous projects to help you estimate the potential amount of materials and waste. Take into consideration the type and load of vehicles that will be used to haul the materials. Ask your hauler or recycler to assist you in estimating these numbers.
| Material | Lbs/cy | Tons/cy |
| Aphalt | 1,400 lbs/cy | 0.7 tons/cy |
| Cardboard | 100 lbs/cy | 0.05 tons/cy |
| Concrete | 2,600 lbs/cy (Sources range from 1,000 to 4,000) |
1.3 tons/cy |
| Drywall | 700 lbs/cy | 0.35 tons/cy |
| Wood (chipped) | 300 - 650 lbs/cy | 0.15 – 0.3 tons/cy |
| Mixed C&D Debris | 900 lbs/cy | 0.45 tons/cy |
| Mixed Waste/Trash | 100 - 350 lbs/cy | 0.5 - 0.175 tons/cy |
How do I comply with the Diversion Goal if more than 50% of the debris generated is not recyclable?
If unique circumstances make it infeasible for you to comply with the Diversion Goal, you may apply, in writing, to the Building Official for an exemption.
What is the penalty for not complying with the Ordinance?
Violation of a City ordinance, such as the Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Ordinance, is considered an infraction that may result in a fine.
Are these requirements really necessary?
Yes. C&D debris represents a significant portion of the City’s overall waste stream. Keeping these materials out of landfills is an essential part of the City’s plan for:
- Fulfilling the City’s own environmental and waste reduction goals;
- Complying with the State’s Integrated Waste Management Act*; and
- Meeting Piedmont ’s diversion goal of 75%
* AB 939 requires every city and county in the State to reduce the quantity of materials disposed at landfills by at least 50% (by weight) from 1990, or potentially face fines for non-compliance.
