C&D Infrastructure

Construction and demolition (“C&D”) materials make up 25% of the total solid waste generated in the State of Colorado (approximately 2 million tons in 2021). Nationwide, the EPA estimated 600 million tons of C&D generated in 2018, twice as much as generated MSW. Common components of this material stream include concrete, asphalt, lumber, metal, gypsum wallboard, roofing products, carpet and others and are generated when structures are newly built, renovated or demolished. Unlike peer states considered to be environmental leaders, Colorado does not have statewide policies that encourage C&D recovery and only has limited data that would provide a clearer picture of our whole system. Current markets exist for concrete, asphalt and metal but gaps still exist and it is assumed that the majority of other recoverable materials are landfilled without sufficient infrastructure or recycling markets in the state.

If you would like more details on specific companies that recycle C&D materials, please refer to the resources below. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to the C&D council.