C&D recycling gets its due

by Keith Barker  

At the beginning of March, Baum Publication’s staff will be making our triennial pilgrimage to CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas, one of the largest construction industry equipment shows in the world. This show is so large that it runs every three years, rather than yearly. This is partly due, I can only imagine, to the sheer logistics of organizing and producing the event, which runs from March 4-8, and which will host approximately 2,400 exhibitors and over 125,000 total attendees.  

For the first time at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the show will feature the Demolition & Recycling Exhibits Pavilion that will showcase products specific to recyclers and demolition contractors. The pavilion is sponsored by the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA), who will also host C&D World 2014 on March 5, during the show. In the words of CONEXPO’s show director, Megan Tanel; “Recycling is an important facet of our industries; more demolition contractors are attending the show and this pavilion is one way CDRA serves industry needs.” 

Indeed, the CDRA has been working overtime for many years to advance the cause of construction industry recycling and waste diversion (see our last word this issue for an update on the development of third party certification in C&D recycling, an initiative spearheaded by the CDRA.)  The fact that CONEXPO is including a section of the show dedicated to recycling is significant. Undoubtedly, the value opportunities for the recovery of metals, concrete, masonry, plastics and other materials resulting from the demolition of structures is monumental.

The feature story in our January/February 2014 issue (http://rpn.baumpub.com/magazine/digital/319/january-february-2014) highlights industry pioneer Dan Costello, who is a great example of the “modern” demolition contractor – one who fully understands the ‘treasure trove’ of materials that can be salvaged from demolition debris. Costello says it is not uncommon to generate 40 or 50 thousand tons of concrete on a demolition job, and he also understands the importance of tailoring his operation with the right tools and personnel.

And the proof is in the diversion – on a recent demolition job completed by Costello’s company and highlighted in our January/February 2014 issue, out of 100,000 tonnes, his operation sent only 2,000 tonnes to landfill. This is impressive and it is indicative of the maturity and sheer capability that the C&D recycling industry has achieved in just a few decades.

I for one am looking forward to visiting CONEXPO’s Demolition & Recycling Exhibits Pavilion, as well as the more than two million net square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits which make up the entire show – a good portion of which will be occupied by manufacturers who supply the recycling industry with equipment and expertise. The walking will be extensive but it will be worth it to see the latest, most advanced material handlers and attachments, loaders, grinders, crushers, screens, shredders, components and equipment that drive the C&D segment of our industry. 

See our show preview (Jan/Feb. 2014) pages 12-15, as well as coverage throughout this issue (indicated by CONEXPO booth number) for a glimpse at just some of the companies who will play a big role at this year’s largest construction equipment event, and who also happen to be an integral part of the ever-advancing recycling industry.