C&D News

A resolution requiring the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to assist any applicant attempting to open a shingle recycling facility in the state has been approved by the Environmental Committee of the state House of Representatives and has been sent to the floor for a vote.

According to the resolution, the state’s goal is to divert solid waste from landfills and that asphalt roofing shingle recycling provides an alternative to disposal, having been recycled and used in other states for asphalt road base, parking lots, patch repair and dust control on roads.

Because these market opportunities exist in the state, the resolution asks DNR to assist those wanting to start shingle recycling plants and to educate local governments and the citizenry on the benefits of using recycled asphalt roofing shingles, as well as to review all permit applications and facility operating needs in a "timely and expeditious manner."

Dale Behnen, whose company Peerless Landfill in Missouri is a member of the Construction Material Recycling Association, has testified on the resolution. She says it is a non-binding document, but may be a first step toward a state bill supporting these actions.

Downtown Los Angeles is the site of a new, $2.73 million C&D recycling facility operated by Looney Bins. The plant is expected to divert 50,000 tons of C&D from landfills yearly and to provide 75 new skilled and unskilled jobs.

Looney Bins, a member of the Construction Materials Recycling Association, has received a low interest, $2 million loan from the California Integrated Waste Management Board to help start the facility. "The loan enables us to realize our dream of having a state-of-the-art, enclosed C&D recycling facility in downtown Los Angeles," says Looney Bin President Myan Spaccarelli. He adds that the facility will provide needed recycling services and conserve resources and landfill space.

Sorting equipment at the new facility has been supplied by Lubo USA, Stamford, Conn.

Prosperity in the U.S. construction industry was again "on the house," as the residential segment continues to exhibit most of the recent growth in the domestic building industry.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, new construction starts in February increased 4 percent relative to January, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Cos., New York. During the first two months of 2004, total construction contract values have been 2 percent higher than from the same period a year ago.

"The construction industry appears to be hovering at a level close to last year’s pace," says Robert A. Murray, vice president of economic affairs for McGraw-Hill Construction. "Housing remains very healthy, and the upturn for non-residential building in February was a welcome development after a sluggish January."

Murray says that higher steel prices could be putting a crimp in the non-residential segments. "Over the course of 2004, it’s expected that nonresidential building will see a modest strengthening trend. Admittedly, though, this year’s sharp increase in steel prices has made the nonresidential upturn less certain, given the impact that higher costs and materials shortages may have on individual construction projects. At this juncture, it appears that the nonresidential upturn will be dampened but not derailed, assuming steel prices settle back by midyear, but the situation clearly bears watching."

Despite the steel price quandary, in February non-residential activity increased 7 percent from January to $148 billion. Office construction jumped 39 percent, boosted by major projects in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta.

Stores and shopping centers in February increased 21 percent, reflecting the start of an $88 million project in Pennsylvania and a $50 million project in Las Vegas. The educational building category also had a strong month, rising 18 percent with the start of a $100 million university building in Chicago and a $55 million museum renovation in New York City.