Achieving 95% waste diversion on a $2.5M commercial renovation required innovative approaches to material sorting, strategic recycling partnerships, and comprehensive documentation. This case study outlines the strategies that made near-zero waste possible.
Material Sorting Strategy
Our zero-waste approach began with comprehensive pre-demolition audits, identifying all materials for potential reuse or recycling. We established on-site sorting stations for 12 material categories, including metals, concrete, wood, drywall, and mixed plastics.
Recycling Partnerships
Strategic partnerships with specialized recyclers were essential. We worked with:
- Concrete crushing facilities for aggregate reuse
- Metal recyclers for steel, copper, and aluminum
- Wood processors for engineered lumber production
- Drywall recyclers for gypsum recovery
Cost Savings
While initial sorting required additional labor investment, the project achieved $47,000 in avoided disposal costs and material recovery revenue. The net savings after sorting labor costs totaled $28,000.
Documentation and Compliance
Comprehensive documentation was essential for LEED certification and waste diversion verification. We implemented digital tracking systems that recorded every material stream from removal through final disposition.
Lessons Learned
Key success factors included early planning, dedicated sorting staff, and strong recycling partnerships. The project demonstrated that zero-waste goals are achievable with proper planning and execution.
Conclusion
Zero-waste construction is not just an environmental goal—it's a viable business strategy that reduces costs while enhancing project sustainability credentials. Our experience proves that with proper planning, 95%+ diversion rates are achievable on commercial projects.