Description
Building deconstruction
Waste from construction and demolition (C&D) makes up a large part of our waste. C&D waste is double the amount of solid waste generated in the US and a lot of this ends up in landfills. Deconstruction or salvage is a way of recovering building materials for reuse. Deconstruction can range from:
- Relocating whole buildings
- Retaining structural components like hardwood and bricks
- Salvaging finishing materials like appliances and cabinets
Deconstruction:
- Reduces waste
- Reuses materials and reduces resource use
- Creates local green jobs
Learn more about the MPCA and building reuse and recycling
What’s happening now
In Minneapolis, we don’t have regulations around waste from C&D. Rather, the state sets building codes that would regulate this. As a City, we have to navigate incentives and regulation that will balance:
- Moving toward our zero-waste goals
- Encouraging development and investment in our City
- Enforceability
In Minneapolis, there are organizations creating deconstruction, salvage and reuse opportunities.
Learn more about deconstruction organizations near you with the Reuse Ecosystem Map