General issues of construction materials recycling in USA

Nearly all building materials have the potential for reuse following their initial useful life. Although reuse possibilities are available for building materials following demolition, deconstruction maximizes this potential because it allows these materials to be recovered with the least possible amount of damage. Additionally, the organizational nature of deconstruction involves sorting separate materials, which further facilitates reuse opportunities. Wood, steel, concrete, asphalt roofing, brick, plastics, and drywall all have high reuse potential. This paper evaluates the existing practice of reuse of construction materials in the USA and recommends suggestions for increasing construction materials reuse.