MIAGREEN: Building Toward More Recycling

Recycling is a key part of sustainable construction practices, and most links in the supply chain are continuing to recognize its importance, according to presenters at a session at the MiaGreen Expo & Conference.

The Miami Beach Convention Center served as the setting for the third edition of MiaGreen, which was held in early March of 2011. The event’s organizer, José Garcia-Piñeyro, put together two days of programming that focused on sustainable construction practices, including several sessions on recycling.

“Recycling in Construction, Remodeling & Renovation,” moderated by Construction & Demolition Recycling magazine Associate Publisher Brian Taylor, offered presentations from a building products supplier, a contractor and a mixed C&D recycler.

Carole Schafmeister of D & B Tile Distributors, Sunrise, Fla., and a member of the Ceramic Tile Distributor Association (CTDA), provided an overview of sustainability initiatives taken by the ceramic tile industry.

Ceramic tile makers (there are four plants in the United States and many overseas) have closed-loop production processes that generate very little waste, she noted.

The CTDA also has set up a tile re-use program known as Tile Partners for Humanity in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity.

Contractor John Banting of Hedrick Brothers Construction, West Palm Beach, Fla., told attendees he focuses both personally and professionally on waste reduction. In terms of bringing waste diversion and recycling practices to the construction industry, he added that “changing cultures and routines can be like pulling teeth.”

Hedrick Bros., though, has taken part in several LEED-certified projects, including a LEED Gold-certified elementary school in Palm Beach County, Fla. In that project, a great deal of 1920s-era red brick from the demolished structure was re-used on site in the new school building.

Offering a quote from Charles Darwin on adaptability, Banting predicted that contractors who do not tap into recycling and other sustainable practices are likely to find things more difficult in the future.

Patti Hamilton of Southern Waste Systems/Sun Recycling, Lantana, Fla., provided attendees with an overview of the company’s mixed C&D recycling business, including a video tour of its West Palm Beach, Fla., plant.

In 10 years, the company has continually added new plant locations and developed additional end markets for its recycled products. “The mix of what’s in there is highly recyclable,” said Hamilton, referring to materials such as wood, concrete, paper and metal, “but I can’t emphasize enough that this all used to go to landfills.”

MiaGreen 2011 attracted attendees from South Florida, other parts of the United States and from 20 other nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the event’s

. MiaGreen next year will be at the same venue Jan. 26-27.