Description

• Construction and demolition (C&D) waste refers to all solid waste byproducts from the renovation, demolition, and installation involved in construction.  Typical examples of construction waste are demolished concrete blocks, stones, dirt generated during excavation, bricks, pipes, electrical conduit, tiles, asphalt, wood (treated, painted and clean), metal (ferrous and non-ferrous), lumber, and miscellaneous materials (dry wall, insulation, light fixtures, carpeting, etc.). Planning and executing projects to minimize C&D waste is an important step towards reducing embodied carbon emissions from NYCHA buildings. Plans to minimize and recycle C&D waste must happen early on in a capital project to provide the most benefit at the lowest cost.  

Baseline

• Wherever possible waste materials should be salvaged for reuse, and efforts should be taken by site supervisors, maintenance workers, and contractors to reduce cuts and unnecessary construction waste. Recycling conserves resources, reduces disposal fees, and diverts materials from landfills.  
• Refer to NYCHA specification 01 74 19 for required construction waste diversion requirements. All waste materials should follow NY city and state guidelines for proper containment, carting, disposal, and recycling.  

Stretch

• Implement strategies described in the EDC’s Clean and Circular Design & Construction Guidelines and embed C&D waste in project workflow from project initiation through design and construction.  
• Partner with city agencies, like OER’s Clean Soil Bank, to divert reusable materials from the waste stream. [SA] 
• In construction projects where the removal of healthy trees is required, implement a tree reuse program where wood from the removal of healthy trees can be salvaged for lumber, mulch, or site furniture. [SA]  
• If trees are to be mulched, require contractor to offer mulch to Property Management for use on site, or NYCHA Health Initiatives for use in resident community gardens.  

RAD Conversions 

• In line with OneNYC’s goal of sending zero waste to landfills by 2030, NYCHA aims to reduce the amount of construction and demolition (“C&D”) waste that is disposed in landfills and incineration facilities through material recovery, reuse, and recycling. Building on mandatory requirements for Enterprise Green Communities Criteria item 6.10 Construction Waste Management, the RAD Conversion Partner will be required to select Option 1 and submit a C&D Waste Management Plan for new construction and rehabilitation work at the Properties that establishes project-specific waste estimates, waste diversion goals, waste prevention measures, reuse inventory, communication plan, contamination prevention measures, and a recycling facility list (see RAD Conversion Construction Waste Management Plan Template). 

Strategies

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 at 2:13 pm