NADC CONVENTION: Fuel for Thought

Recyclers of demolition wood must weigh the options of relying on the biomass fuel market versus some of the other wood recycling options, according to the University of Florida’s Tim Townsend. The C&D recycling researcher spoke to attendees of a session at the National Association of Demolition Contractors (NADC) Annual Convention in Orlando in early April.

In an overview of hot topics and market prospects for C&D recyclers, Townsend noted that wood recyclers are involved with several of the leading issues, and also face some of the most volatile markets.

Separating out wood with lead-based paint (LBP) and chromated copper arsenate (CCA) are among the issues facing wood recyclers. Both of their leading markets—the wood fuel and mulch markets—will be unwilling to tolerate high levels of either LBP or CCA. Fuel users want to keep their emissions clean, while mulch vendors do not want to risk exposing their customers to contact with the toxins.

Townsend says he does not see any markets for wood supplanting these two leading markets, although in the new construction process there have been contractors who have been grinding their scrap wood on site and using it as mulch and ground cover.

Wood fuel markets can be volatile, with recyclers sometimes dependent on the fortunes of one major regional consumer.

Landfill operators who do not want the unpleasant odors arising from scrap drywall may help spur the gypsum recycling market. Townsend noted that recycling loops for the material have been created in the Pacific Northwest, with scrap drywall used by drywall manufacturers, by Portland cement makers (who can accept up to five percent gypsum content) and by farmers seeking to enrich the calcium content of their soil. At some facilities, the scrap paper portion of scrap drywall is added to compost piles.

Recycled concrete and asphalt markets remain stable in most regions, although these markets could be spurred on if more states begin to develop specifications for using recycled aggregates in highway applications, Townsend noted.