Demolition Debris Management
Construction · Ver en español
Talking points
- Debris chutes are required when dropping demolition material more than 20 feet. Chutes must be enclosed for the entire length and the discharge end must be barricaded.
- Never throw material over the side of a building. Debris bounces, shatters, and can strike workers, pedestrians, or vehicles far from the intended drop zone.
- Enclosed containers (dumpsters positioned at the building) allow controlled interior demolition waste disposal. Protect the container opening with a gate or cover when not actively in use.
- Separate demolition waste: hazardous materials (asbestos, lead paint, PCBs) must be segregated, bagged, and disposed of per EPA and state regulations — not mixed with general debris.
- Pedestrian and public protection: on urban demolition sites, barricade the sidewalk and install overhead protection (covered walkways, fans) to protect passersby from falling debris.
Ask the crew
How are we managing demolition debris today — chutes, containers, or controlled drops — and is the area below protected?
Standards this talk is built on
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Sign-in sheet
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