The Healthy Building Network and StopWaste released the “Optimizing Recycling: Post-Consumer Polyethylene in Building Products” report. This report examines the hazards, supply chains, and economic impacts of using post-consumer polyethylene from products such as beverage containers as a feedstock streams for building products. The report outlines recommendations for manufacturers, recyclers, consumers, and government agencies to optimize the recyclability of polyethylene into building products such as drainage pipes, plastic lumber, and substrates.

The Healthy Building Network is a nonprofit organization that provides research and product evaluations on chemical hazards to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals in building products. StopWaste, a public agency in Alameda County, California, helps governments, businesses, schools and residents reduce waste.

In addition, RecyclingWorks is currently developing best management practices for building professionals to increase recycling and reuse of construction and demolition (C&D) materials. Through the stakeholder engagement process to develop this guidance, many contractors and architects have mentioned the opportunity in using recycled polyethylene in building materials. Please attend an upcoming Construction Materials Recycling Stakeholder Meeting to share your experience with issues related to diverting construction and demolition materials from disposal.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling assistance program for businesses and institutions. If you need assistance with setting up a recycling or composting program, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.