Sustainable Demolition in Colorado: A Closer Look
A snapshot of construction and demolition (C&D) reuse and recycling regulations in place for cities along the Front Range in Colorado
Published October 24, 2024
When Perks Deconstruction was founded in 2019, deconstruction policies in Colorado were minimal. Fast forward 5 years later and we are seeing more sustainable construction and demolition policies sprouting all along the Front Range. The City of Boulder, City and County of Denver, Fort Collins, and the City of Lakewood all have policies in place for reusing and recycling building materials.
Let’s take a closer look at how these policies are diverting waste from the landfill and increasing Colorado’s below-average recycling rate.
City of Boulder: Sustainable Deconstruction Requirements
According to the City of Boulder’s 2020 Energy Conservation Code and Ordinance 8366, all large-scale residential and commercial construction and demolition projects must have reuse and recycling plans in place. This requirement affects all full structure removal and remodeling projects, AKA Level 4 Alterations. The requirements include submitting a sustainability plan to the city, diverting at least 75% of materials from the project, and submitting a refundable fee. Learn more on the City of Boulder’s website.
City of Denver: Ordinance 306
Ordinance 306 in Denver, known as “Waste No More” and approved by voters in 2022, requires practically all construction and demolition projects within the City and County of Denver to separate all recyclable demolition debris including concrete, asphalt, clean wood, scrap metal, and corrugated cardboard. In addition, contractors are required to submit a recycling and reuse plan to the city before obtaining a permit for their construction or demolition job. At the completion of the project, a reuse and recycling compliance form must be submitted prior to the final inspection of the project. These policies are currently in development: Learn more on the City of Denver’s website.
City of Fort Collins Building Code
The City of Fort Collins has required the recycling of specific materials including metal, wood, and cardboard from construction and demolition projects since 2012. The projects affected include new construction, remodels, and additions over 2500 sqft, and all demolition projects over 1000 sqft. In July of 2024, Fort Collins’ Environmental Compliance Team implemented a new, easier process for submitting Construction Waste Management Reports, which includes a Construction Waste & Recycling Declaration of Responsibility as well as receipts and related documentation of materials recycled and reused. These reports are part of the construction and demolition permitting process. Learn more on the City of Fort Collins Website.
City of Lakewood Building Code
The City of Lakewood requires that all demolition projects recycle all recyclable building materials, including concrete, asphalt, metal and, when possible, additional materials such as fixtures, cabinets, doors, and windows. Similar requirements apply to construction projects: new buildings, additions, or remodels with a total interior space over 2,500 sq. ft., and developments with multiple buildings with a combined total interior space over 5,000 sq. ft. In addition, construction and demolition waste management plans are required to be submitted to the City with your permit. Learn more on the City of Lakewood’s website.
We’re always excited to learn about new deconstruction requirements in Colorado and hope the policies continue to expand throughout the state.
Need help creating a waste management plan for your demolition project?
Let our consulting department do the heavy lifting! Our team of deconstruction experts can walk you through every step of the process, training staff along the way and ensuring recycling and reuse requirements are being met. Contact our team today.
