Public Works: Construction & Demolition Debris Recycling
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there any additional City fees associated with these requirements?
- Will it cost me more to recycle or reuse C&D debris?
- How do I participate in the Incentive Program?
- 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 Chester Nakahara, 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.
Will it cost me more to recycle or reuse C&D debris?
Participation in the Incentive Program will reduce your cost for a mixed recyclables drop box to about half the cost of a drop box used for solid waste (trash).
How do I participate in the Incentive Program?
By providing your name and Piedmont address and mentioning that you would like to participate in the Incentive Program when you contact Richmond Sanitary Service ( 800-320-8077) to order a drop box for mixed recyclable materials. Upon verification from Richmond Sanitary Service that the drop box was used exclusively for mixed recyclable materials (no contamination with trash, hazardous materials, green waste, or inert materials) and the contents were recycled, you will receive a rebate from Richmond Sanitary Service for one-half the cost of the box. The City will reimburse Richmond Sanitary Service for the cost of the rebate.
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?
Only home-owners who personally transport the debris to the solid waste and/or recycling facility are exempt from the exclusive franchise agreement but are not eligible for the incentive program. Contractors cannot remove the debris for the homeowner.
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% by 2010.
* 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.
