Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling and Reuse Program

The County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors adopted the Construction and Demolition (C&D) Debris Recycling and Reuse Ordinance on January 4, 2005. The Ordinance added Chapter 20.87 to the Los Angeles County Code which requires projects in the unincorporated areas to recycle or reuse 50 percent of the debris generated. Its purpose is to increase the diversion of construction and demolition debris from disposal facilities and will assist the County in meeting the State of California's waste reduction mandate. Effective January 1, 2011, Los Angeles County adopted the Green Building Standards Code, which sets forth recycling requirements for construction and demolition projects in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

The provisions of the Green Building Standards Code apply to any project that requires one or more of the following permits (Section 20.87.030.I, as supplemented): Any project requiring a construction permit, regardless of the value. Any project requiring a demolition permit, regardless of the value. Any project requiring a grading permit, regardless of the value.

The provisions of the Green Building Standards Code are more stringent than the C&D Ordinance of 2005. As such, the more stringent provisions will be enforced by the Department of Public Works for all construction and demolition projects submitted after January 1, 2011.

Residential construction or demolition projects consisting of single-family homes, multifamily (duplex or triplex), condominiums, townhomes, apartments, or secondary structures such as garages. These projects must comply with the following requirements: Four or less dwelling units must recycle a minimum of 50 percent of the debris generated by weight. Five or more dwelling units must recycle a minimum of 65 percent of the debris generated by weight.

Non-Residential construction projects consisting of commercial, industrial, or retail structures, as well as all tenant improvements, irrespective of the square footage, must recycle a minimum of 65 percent of the debris generated by weight. For more information about the Los Angeles County Green Building Program, click here for the Building & Safety Division website. Forms and informational materials are available here or may be requested from the Construction & Demolition Unit at (626) 458-3517. Recycling and Reuse Plans are to be submitted to the Construction & Demolition Unit for review and approval. Forms may be submitted by email, fax at (626) 628-9733, the U. S. Postal Service or a parcel service, or at the public counter Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.