Masonry Magazine August 1996 Page. 25
Demolition Materials Re-Use Takes Off
A survey prepared for the Canadian Federal Department of Environment found a 500% increase in the number of used building materials stores that have been set up in North America in the last 10 years. Although not increasing as quickly, concrete, asphalt, gypsum, and wood recycling is also on the rise. These increases are largely fueled by a society that wants to keep wastes out of landfill sites. Rapidly increasing landfill costs have given this fledgling Environment Industry Sector the boost required to allow it to become part of the sustainability solution.
The Canadian Federal Department of the Environment has taken the initiative to help this new Environment Industry Sector to become entrenched across North America. It has helped to establish the Used Building Materials Association, with its 5 U.S. and 5 Canadian directors, to deal with the many barriers which are still being encountered in many areas of North America. Although this association is just getting started, it has already, among other things, 1) prepared a business plan, 2) sent out 2500 copies of the second newsletter to keep the industry informed on new happenings, 3) represented the industry at an environmental assessment public hearing, 4) made several presentations at conferences, and 5) assisted in the preparation of The Resourceful Renovator Television Series.
As one of its services to the industry, the Used Building Materials Association is planning the definitive Conference on Building Material Re-Use & Recycling to be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, September 18-21, 1996. It is being supported by the Canadian Federal Department of the Environment, Manitoba Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Manitoba Environment, the City of Winnipeg and a number of businesses. Case histories of successful building materials re-use/recycling companies will be presented. Seminars on used building materials stores and concrete, asphalt, and other types of recycling efforts will be provided. In addition, there will be workshops to identify barriers and solutions, and much more. Early registration is $150US.
Besides planning this conference, the Used Building Materials Association is: 1) developing a list of building material re-use/recycling companies in North America; 2) looking at the feasibility of an INTERNET based or other type of used building materials exchange; 3) gathering baseline data on the type of building materials and amounts that have been diverted from landfill sites.
With the support of industry, the Used Building Materials Association will be able to do much more and become a strong organization that will be able to help the industry become more profitable while helping society achieve its goal of sustainability.
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415 West Golf Road
Suite 13
Arlington Heights, IL 60005
708/640-6910 FAX: 708/640-6955
MASONRY-JULY/AUGUST, 1996 25