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Construction and Demolition Debris (C&D)

All demolition efforts should be submitted through the NIH Facility Information Management System (FIMS) and approved by the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP). Contact DEP for assistance with pre-planning dumpster placement, location and timeframe.

DEP uses local facilities that maximize the recycling of construction debris. Reports from these facilities summarize the types and quantities of debris recycled for each project. DEP maintains the repository of all construction and demolition recycling data and can provide these reports for officials seeking recycling information or for third-party green building certifications (e.g. LEED). Please contact DEP at 301-496-7990 to obtain recycling data reports.​

What Materials Are Recycled?

The most common recyclable materials from C&D are:

  • Concrete
  • Crushed Asphalt
  • Dry Wall (Panels and Studs)
  • Masonry
  • Plastic Materials
  • Scrap Metal (all types of metals and all forms, such as ductwork, valves, shelving, etc.)
  • Wood and Lumber
ADDITIONAL SCRAP METAL DUMPSTERS:

The NIH Project Officer should inform DEP (301-496-7990) if significant amounts of scrap metal (determined on a case by case basis) are to be removed, as scrap metal needs to be collected in a separate roll-off dumpster. Scrap metal should not be contaminated with other debris material.

The contractor should also inform DEP if significant amounts of stainless steel metal are to be removed. Stainless steel has a higher recycling value than other metals and should be collected separately from scrap metal.

DUMPSTER RULES AND EXCLUSIONS:

The construction debris dumpster must be placed in an approved location within a secured, temporary fencing to prevent scavenging or illegal dumping. Debris should be spread evenly in the dumpsters and not filled past the rim.

The following items are permitted in the dumpsters; however, they are NOT currently recycled:
  • Carpeting and Pads
  • Gypsum Wallboard
  • Roofing Materials
These items are NOT permitted in the dumpsters:


Project Officer's Guide

This section annotates the Project Officer (PO) responsibilities for the Site Selection Request Application in relation to the Construction Debris Dumpster program.

PO Responsibilities:​

  • The PO is the point of contact for the Government and is to consult with DEP prior to beginning a construction project (see NIH Design Requirements Manual, Section 1.5.3.2 Project Officer).
  • Prepare and submit the online Site Selection Request at FIMS​.
  • Ensure contractors follow Dumpster Rules and Exclusions.
  • Notify DEP and the waste contractor a minimum of five (5) days before initial dumpster placement.
  • Submit dumpster "pull" requests to 301-402-6349 to have dumpster emptied and returned (please submit the request at least 24 hours before the pull).
  • Request permanent removal of the dumpster at the conclusion of the project.

Site Selection Request

Before a dumpster will be delivered, the Project Officer must submit a Site Selection Request through FIMS. A minimum of two weeks (14 days) is required for review. Security fencing around the dumpster may also be required, especially if hazardous materials are generated.

Contact the Division of Facilities Stewardship (DFS) Site Coordinators at 301-526-9381 or 301-802-9810 or the NIH Site Coordinators for questions regarding submitting a request. DFS will determine the appropriate site for the dumpster.

Requesting a Construction Dumpster for the Bethesda Campus

To receive a construction dumpster, please submit an online request through FIMS​ and provide the following information:

  • Date that dumpster is to be delivered
  • Building and loading dock location
  • Project Officer name, contact phone number and email address
  • Project name
  • Project number
  • Expected duration of project
  • Number of square feet involved in the project
  • Estimated number of pulls expected from the project
  • Expected types of debris with estimated volumes
  • Approved Site Selection Request
  • NOTE: a minimum of five (5) days advanced notice is required

Requesting Dumpster Pull with Return Delivery

Please contact the waste contractor at 301-402-6349 to have the dumpster pulled with return delivery within 24 hours.

Requesting Permanent Removal of Dumpster

Please contact the waste contractor at 301-402-6349 to have the dumpster permanently removed at the completion of your project.


Please contact DEP at 301-496-7990 with any questions about the Site Selection dumpster program including:

  • ​Requests for dedicated dumpsters assigned only to large construction and demolition projects
  • DEP approval for usage of our nearest dumpsters at various locations on campus by small construction and demolition projects

Permanent Dumpsters

There are several types of permanent recycling dumpsters located at loading docks listed below:


Construction Debris Waste Management and Recycling Plan

As described in the NIH Design Requirements Manual (Section 1.11.5.2: Recycling Demolition Debris), a Construction Debris Waste Management and Recycling Plan is to be submitted to DEP prior to demolition activity. This requirement is waived for projects that use the DEP Construction Dumpster program; the plan is implemented by DEP at no cost.​

DEP and its contractors have made the collection of construction debris as user-friendly as possible. ​The DEP recycling service hauls the roll-off dumpsters to a sorting facility, where it is weighed and the contents are transferred onto a tipping floor. The sorting facility uses various mechanical methods to separate the recyclables and assess each pile as a percentage of the load (e.g. 20% concrete, 30% dirt, 10% wood, 20% ceiling tiles, 5% carpet, 15% miscellaneous recyclables or trash).

The sorting facility sends a report that details the total weight of the contents of the roll-off dumpster and the percentage of each recyclable category. DEP receives this report and will provide the data to the Project Officer upon request.

Contractors should not overfill or move the container after placement by DEP. Contractors must call DEP to have the container moved or emptied. The contractor is responsible for any damages to the container beyond normal wear and tear caused by general negligence, moving the container, or overfilling (to include structural damages to the door latch, locking system, channel steel, punctures, ripped bars, bent walls, etc.). DEP reserves the right to repair or replace any damaged containers at the expense of the contractor within two weeks of written or emailed notification.

If the contractor does not use the no-cost DEP Construction Dumpster Program, the contractor must submit a Construction Debris Waste Management and Recycling Plan as part of the contract bid proposal. The contractor will assume all costs in the storage, collection, transportation, and recycling of debris. Documentation must be provided to DEP showing that discarded materials from new construction, renovation, or demolition projects have been recycled to the maximum amount feasible.

See the Construction and Demolition Waste Contract Requirements​ for mo​re information regarding Project Officer and Contractor responsibilities with the DEP Construction Dumpster Program.

References

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