How is the construction waste material converted into reusable material?

We use a self-contained, mobile, low-speed grinder that can handle wood, drywall, block, brick, and asphalt roofing shingles. The grinder, manufacted by Packer Industrustries, pulverizes the construction waste into usable, environmentally friendly material.

How many visits does CWR of Texas make to a given job site?

There are three grinding visits: frame, drywall, and masonry, plus twelve more visits to pick up cardboard and non-recyclable at builder's call.

How does pricing compare to traditional dumpster waste management?

Very similar. Increased participation of trades reduces waste and cost and will result in lower cost.

What is done with nails and other metals removed from the wood?

We collect the metal removed from the recycled wood and take it to a metal recycling facility.

Is PVC recycled?

No. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find a method for recycling PVC. Luckily the amount of PVC waste is very small compared to the rest of the construction waste which is recycled. We will continue to look for ways to recycle PVC.

Will I still need a dumpster?

No. CWR of Texas eliminates the need for dumpsters unless local regulations require one.

How much of the construction waste is recycled?

Because our grinder can handle wood, drywall, block, brick, and asphalt roofing shingles, and we collect and recycle cardboard and nails, it can be as much as 85% of the construction waste by weight.

Is pressure treated wood and painted wood recycled?

No. Due to the chemicals in treated wood and paints, we can not safely grind the wood for reuse.

The following FAQ's are from the NAHB Research Center

What is being done?

• Land application of wood chips.
  Wood chips are being used to control erosion (the wearing away of the land surface) while construction is underway. Adding a material such as chipped wood provides strength and stability to soft or muddy driving surfaces, and promotes the drainage of water away from the driving surface. The use of wood chips for erosion control is limited to areas where decomposition, or the breaking down of the wood, is desirable, such as under grass, gardens or bushes.

• Land application of pulverized gypsum wallboard (drywall).
  Research has demonstrated that the beneficial effects of pulverized drywall waste are nearly identical to those of agricultural grade gypsum. Gypsum improves plant growth on a variety of soils due to improved soil structure and root penetration (particularly in clayey soils), and an increase in available calcium and sulfur.

Why is this being done?

• Helps disturbances at the site.
  The grading, trenching, and excavation of construction activity disturbs the natural site - soils are often compacted, soil structure can change, and the natural drainage patterns can change as well. Land applying these materials in this fashion can offer beneficial solutions to these common and often unavoidable consequences of building a home.
• Conservation of landfill space.
  The construction of a 2,000 square foot home will generate approximately four tons of debris, all of which is typically disposed of in landfills. Wood, drywall and cardboard typically comprise approximately 75 percent of this waste stream, and in many areas of the country there are limited reuse or recycling options for these materials (especially wood and drywall). On-site processing and application of these three materials can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional landfilling.

Do these materials pose any threat to the local water supply, or grass and plant growth?

No. Guidelines for the application of these materials have been prepared with the approval of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The materials being land-applied are clean, non-toxic, standard construction materials that have not been chemically treated or painted.

Why hasn’t this been done before?

This particular waste management technique is new. The equipment required to do this has only recently become available.

Do I need to do anything differently as a home owner?

No. In fact, wood chips can be used as a mulch for landscape beds, shrubs, and islands around trees. Landscape mulch is used in this fashion as a ground cover material to control weeds, prevent moisture loss in soil, and for aesthetic purposes. In these applications, nitrogen can be added (20-30 pounds per acre) to aid decomposition. This is typically applied in a manner similar to fertilizer, e.g., with a push cart.