Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste

What is it?

Construction and Demolition or (C&D) debris is non-hazardous, non-contaminated solid waste resulting from construction, remodelling, repair or demolition projects on pavement, buildings and other structures.

  • Wood (Untreated and Treated)
  • Scrap metals
  • Bricks, concrete, and reclaimed asphalt
  • Glass and plastics
  • Plaster and drywall
  • Landscape waste

The State of C&D Material Diversion in Calgary

  • 2007

    City Council approved a waste diversion strategy that aimed to divert 80 percent of  landfill waste by 2020. This vision was intended for all four sectors including single family (SF), multi-family (MF), Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) and Construction & Demolition (C&D).

  • 2014

    The last waste audit conducted in Calgary indicates only a 20-30 percent recovery rate, a stark contrast from the intended 80 percent.

  • 2015

    Council revised their target to 70 percent waste diversion by 2025. For the C&D sector specifically, the Council set the revised target at 40 percent. This is half of the original strategy. This target does not align with the zero-waste vision The City has established for Calgary. 

  • Today

    Calgary recycles only 20-30 percent of their C&D waste and grants the private sector autonomy over their waste disposal program. This means that private contractors do not have to oblige to the new 40% target or report their waste disposal strategies.

    Ultimately, the decision whether to recycle, or not, is completely voluntary and up to the discretion of the private contractor. Moreover, there are currently no existing processes to study the disposal behaviours of these private contractors to help inform The City and keep them accountable in reaching the intended target of 40%.