Construction and demolition (C&D) debris is produced during new construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings and structures. The U.S. produces millions of tons of C&D debris each year.
Construction and demolition waste is defined in 329 IAC 10-2-37 [PDF] as “solid waste resulting from the construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition of structures.” C&D waste includes scrap lumber, bricks, concrete, stone, glass, wallboard, roofing, and plumbing fixtures, wiring, and non-asbestos insulation. C&D waste does not include fluorescent light fixtures, appliances, regulated asbestos-containing material, or any other waste that, when placed in a landfill, would potentially result in contamination of groundwater or present a risk to human health or the environment.
C&D projects may require working with several different branches of IDEM. All facilities (except residential buildings that have (4) four or fewer dwelling units) must be inspected by an Indiana licensed asbestos inspector prior to the commencement of demolition or renovation activities. IDEM’s office of Air Quality administers this program. C&D wastes must be disposed at a state permitted solid waste management facility which are regulated by IDEM’s Office of Land Quality. If the construction activity (which includes clearing, grading, excavation and other land-disturbing activities) results in the disturbance of one (1) acre or more of total land area, a Rule 5 Storm water Permit from IDEM’s Office of Water Quality may be required. Additional licensing or permitting requirements may pertain to other C&D activities or wastes.
IDEM Resources
- Asbestos
- Asbestos Inspection Staff
- Disposal Criteria for Construction and Demolition Waste [PDF]
- Disposal of Nonfriable Asbestos-Containing Materials [PDF]
- IDEM Office of Land Quality Solid Waste Management
- Open Burning
- Solid Waste Permit Staff
- Stormwater Runoff Associated with Construction Activities
U.S. EPA Resources
- Fact Sheets on the Sustainable Design, Disassembly and Deconstruction of Buildings
- Information on Construction and Demolition Debris
- RCRA in Focus: Construction, Demolition, and Renovation [PDF]