The use of C&D wood as a fuel product is a common end market for mixed C&D recyclers, and an underpinning to the economic feasibility of many an operation. The use of the wood is also environmentally sound for a variety of reasons, including those outlined in a study performed by the University of New Hampshire.

Read more: Hurt By Association

On page 6 of this issue, there is an article on the progress of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) in the year since President Obama signed it. The bill was supposed to provide stimulus to the U.S. economy by providing jobs, especially in the construction sector by rebuilding America’s infrastructure.

Read more: Infrastructure

A lot of people are now on the C&D recycling bandwagon for many reasons, including the rise of the green building movement. These programs, such as LEED, currently require the recycling of material generated from construction and demolition sites in order to gain points for high standing. Under LEED, the credits for recycling are among the most claimed. The reasons for that are numerous, as the waste is highly visible so that drives people to want to recycle it, recycling of C&D is usually cost effective, and it is relatively easy.

Read more: Your Cheatin' Heart

I have been among those who have written about so-called “Green Building Products,” and still remain amazed when wandering about an event such as Greenbuild, the U.S. Green Building Council’s convention where all of the manufacturers of these green products show their wares, that many of these products are made from recycled materials, especially plastics and wood, but will be headed to the landfill when their life is over (and that includes any scraps left over from the construction process) because no one can recycle it again seems to be mind boggling to consider them environmentally friendly.

Read more: Producer Responsibility