Print this page Hazardous Waste Generated by Construction and Demolition
Mark P. Rossow, PhD, PE Retired
Course Outline
This three-hour online course discusses the problem of hazardous waste generated by C&D activities. The course begins by giving the EPA’s definition of hazardous waste and illustrating the definition with specific examples. The three categories of hazardous waste generators are defined in terms of the amount of waste that they generate. The distinction is made between “listed” wastes and “characteristic” wastes. Special waste issues such as handling mercury, asbestos, and lead are presented. A highly useful hazardous-wastes-requirements checklist for construction projects is given. The life cycle of typical construction waste is described. The course concludes by presenting methods for reducing waste. Several specific success stories in mitigating hazardous waste problems through reducing the amount of waste are given.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Be familiar with the Federal definition of hazardous waste and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA);
- Be knowledgeable about the EPA’s three categories of hazardous waste generators, four lists of hazardous wastes, and four characteristics of hazardous wastes;
- Be knowledgeable about hazardous waste codes and typical RCRA wastes in C&D debris;
- Know how to manage C&D debris containing mercury, lead, and asbestos;
- Be familiar with the hazardous-waste-requirements checklist for construction;
- Be familiar with the life cycle of typical renovation/construction waste;
- Be knowledgeable about methods for reducing the amount of waste generated and for managing oil and tires waste;
- Be familiar with other environmental laws affecting the construction industry;
- Know about the benefits of C&D recycling and using recycled industrial materials in buildings; and
- Be familiar with case studies of successful C&D waste reduction projects.
Intended Audience
This course is intended primarily for construction, structural, and civil, engineers, and would be of particular interest to engineers serving in the construction industry.
Benefit to Attendees
An attendee of this course will be able to manage C&D-generated hazardous waste in compliance with EPA and RCRA rules.
Course Introduction
Most C&D debris is nonhazardous and is not regulated by EPA. Under RCRA, however, if you generate hazardous waste, you are required to follow certain procedures when generating, storing, transporting, or disposing of it. In addition, many states have specific definitions of C&D debris that effectively determine what materials are allowed to be disposed of in nonhazardous waste landfills, C&D landfills, or incinerators. Even if federal or state regulations do not apply to your business, you should make efforts to keep the hazardous components of the wastes you generate out of landfills to conserve natural resources and protect human health and the environment. Follow the suggestions outlined in this course for ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle your waste.
Course Content
This course is based on a compilation of four EPA Green Building documents: “RCRA in Focus: Construction,” “Demolition, and Renovation,” “Recover Your Resources,” “Using Recycled Industrial Materials in Buildings,” and “Recycling at Automotive Site Spurs Revitalization.”
Hazardous Waste Generated by Construction and Demolition
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Course Summary
C&D projects necessarily generate debris. Often a significant proportion of that debris is considered hazardous, according to EPA rules. The rules take into account the size of the project—and the associated amount of debris generated—and also the nature of the hazard. Familiarity with the rules is essential for any construction company. Techniques for reducing the amount of debris, and, hence, of the amount of hazardous waste generated, are available and have been successfully employed in well-documented cases.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
EPA Green Building Publications
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
