Policy Options for Hazardous-Building-Component Removal before Demolition

Abstract

A small fraction of the solid waste generated during the demolition of buildings contains chemicals hazardous to human health and the environment. Examples include mercury-bearing fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps, polychlorinated-biphenyl-containing lighting ballasts, lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries, and lead roof flashings. While these components represent a small mass of the total demolition waste stream, they are very concentrated sources of hazardous chemicals and may present a risk to human health and the environment upon disposal or recycling. A study was conducted to evaluate the policy alternatives for ensuring removal of hazardous building components from structures prior to demolition. The parties involved include demolition contractors, those contracting demolition work, environmental regulators, building code officials, and demolition debris facility operators. Prohibition of disposal of hazardous building components in landfills is probably insufficient to ensure removal prior to demolition. A system where the property owner and the demolition contractor have some degree of accountability is needed. Efforts to address this issue are currently underway in two states, Florida and Minnesota, and are cited as examples.