Waste not, build again: Giving construction materials a second life

The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is reminding residents to check whether construction waste is recyclable.

The RDEK says Canada’s construction sector generates more than four million tonnes of waste each year.

This equates to more than 266,000 dump trucks lined up for 2,400 kilometres.

Many materials, including steel, drywall, wood and concrete, can be reused or recycled instead of being sent to a landfill.

Reducing and reusing construction waste can help extend the life of local landfills.

Even small reductions can make a difference.

Before starting a renovation, demolition or building project, residents should consider which materials could be reused. Small changes on a work site can reduce waste and support a more sustainable future.

Recycle BC Depots are open at the following locations:

• Cranbrook Transfer Station  at 2405 22nd St N.
• Kimberley Transfer Station at 800 Jim Ogilvie Way.
• Cranbrook Bottle Depot (non-RDEK Recycle BC Depot) at 1125 Industrial Rd. #3.
• Fernie Transfer Station at 6000 HWY 3.
• Elkford Transfer Station at 6 Inkaneep Rd.
• Sparwood Transfer Station at 1001 HWY 3.
• Invermere Transfer Station at Industrial 1 Rd in Athalmer.
• Radium Transfer Station at Forsters Landing Road in the Village of Radium Hot Springs.

To learn more about what is considered recyclable, visit engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle.