NSWMA, CMRA Develop C&D Wood Fuel Specifications

The Construction Materials Recycling Association (CMRA) and the National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA), Washington, D.C., have jointly developed what they claim are viable, in-use construction and demolition wood fuel specifications. The specifications are based on industry experience, permit requirements for boilers using C&D wood as a fuel stock and regulatory requirements governing the use of this material.

According to the NSWMA, the goal of the specifications is to provide guidance on what works in the marketplace for C&D wood fuel buyers and sellers.

Chaz Miller, who is responsible for managing NSWMA's state and federal regulatory task forces, described the importance of this development. "America is looking to reduce waste volumes in landfills by finding economically sound and environmentally safe ways to reuse and recycle wastes. These specifications will elevate recycled C&D wood – a large portion of the materials generated at construction and demolition sites – to the same level as long-time and proven recyclables, such as paper and metal."

Dan Costello, chair of CMRA’s Material Standards Committee and president of Costello Dismantling, says, "Wood is one of the primary materials generated at construction and demolition sites, coming from a wide variety of sources. In fact, we estimate that it can make up 30 percent of these materials. The specs will help standardize wood chips processed at C&D processing facilities and expand markets for this valuable biomass fuel."