About
The city regulates waste reuse and recycling for large-scale construction and deconstruction projects. These regulations apply to residential and commercial projects, as described in the city's 2020 Energy Conservation Code and Ordinance 8366.
What is sustainable deconstruction?
The careful dismantling of a structure, typically in the opposite order it was constructed, to salvage building materials for reuse or recycling.
Which projects must sustainably deconstruct?
All full structure removal and major remodeling projects, also called Level 4 Alterations, must meet the city's sustainable deconstruction requirements outlined below.
Recycling, Reuse and Donation Requirements
- Create a sustainable deconstruction plan prior to applying for a demolition permit.
- Divert 75% of the materials generated from deconstruction projects, by weight, from the landfill. This includes concrete and asphalt. A minimum of three material types must be diverted (e.g., glass, metal, structural wood and electronics).
- Submit a refundable deconstruction deposit of 1 dollar per square foot of the structure being taken down, with a $1,500 minimum.
- Pay a $219 non-refundable administrative fee.
Deconstruction Workflow
Before the Project Begins
Complete the Sustainable Deconstruction Plan.
- Identify your deconstruction waste recycling manager.
- Estimate diversion rate for all applicable categories.
- Create a plan with a deconstruction professional or on your own.
Complete the Demolition Permit Application.
- Email your completed Sustainable Deconstruction Plan and Demolition Permit Application to CDWastePermits@bouldercolorado.gov.
- Get a signature from city zero waste staff.
- Obtain all other required signatures (Xcel, CDPHE, etc.).
- Remit fees and your refundable Deconstruction Deposit to the Planning & Development Services Department.
While the Project is Ongoing
- Track all diversion throughout project.
- Keep all weight tickets for landfill, recycling and reuse donation.
- Enter all weights into the Construction & Demolition Waste Diversion Tracking Form.
- Use this form if your permit was issued before Jan. 13, 2023.
- Use this form if your permit was issued after Jan. 13, 2023.
- Estimate weights if weight tickets are not available. See more information below.
- If there are any unexpected materials encountered during deconstruction, you must contact city staff to plan for the management of these materials.
If materials do not have weight tickets, you must provide:
- Pictures of the materials.
- The approximate volume (e.g., cubic yard).
- Use this volumetric weight conversion as a substitute for the weight ticket.
- Where the material was taken to and its intended use.
- Number of truck axels that hauled the load.
- Number of loads included in the total.
After Project Completion
- Request a Deconstruction Deposit Recovery (Inspection) on the city's Energov Customer Self-Service Portal.
- If needed, email weight tickets and tracking form to CDWastePermits@bouldercolorado.gov.
- City staff reviews diversion and calculates and processes your refund.
- City Finance Department issues your refund in the same manner it was paid.
Questions?
Send all emails and questions related to C&D waste recycling to CDWastePermits@bouldercolorado.gov.