Moving Waste Prevention Forward
The National Zero Waste Council (NZWC) Construction, Renovation, and Demolition (CRD) working group is made up of professionals and government representatives across Canada’s construction sector and beyond. Engaging collaboratively, the CRD working group identifies opportunities to advance waste prevention and the circular economy, an alternative to the traditional linear economy of take, make, waste. A circular economy ensures resources are in use for as long as possible.
Avoiding Wood Waste
Wood waste is one of the most abundant types of CRD waste ending up in Canadian landfills. Yet, many kinds of wasted wood hold significant value and can be upcycled for new uses.
Policy changes, advances in industry practices, and diversion at end-of-life are required to ensure valuable wood doesn’t end up in landfills. For example, clean wood, which is wood untreated by chemicals, paint, or other coatings, can often be used in new buildings or for new products such as furniture. Engineered wood, including particleboard, manufactured plywood, and medium-density fibreboard, also have markets for reuse. Painted and treated wood or engineered wood waste can be used for alternative fuel applications further down the waste hierarchy.