Construction Material Recovery & Landfill Diversion Framework: A Scalable Implementation Model for U.S. Residential Construction

This paper presents a Construction Material Recovery & Landfill Diversion Framework for U.S. residential construction. The framework provides a structured approach for connecting construction-site source separation with dedicated collection and routing, regional recycling and processing capacity, secondary-material end markets, and measurable performance verification. The model is designed for regional implementation and broader replication across U.S. markets. It recognizes that recovery opportunities vary by material type, processing infrastructure, transportation economics, contamination requirements, and end-market availability. The framework therefore applies a standardized assessment and measurement methodology while allowing recovery pathways to be adapted to local conditions. The framework proposes an aspirational project-level objective of diverting up to 80% of eligible construction waste from landfill where technically and economically feasible. It also outlines a pilot methodology for measuring material quantities, destinations, diversion rates, transportation, contamination, costs, and recovery outcomes.