DEMOLITION CONTRACTORS’ PERCEPTIONS OF IMPEDIMENTS TO SALVAGE AND REUSE OF WOOD STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Abstract

The study was conducted to ascertain demolition contractors’ perceptions of the primary impediments to the widespread salvage of wood structural components for reuse or recycling. Assessment of the attitudes of demolition contractors was chosen since their participation in the salvage and reuse of materials is a key component necessary for any program to reduce the waste disposal rate of demolition debris. The insights obtained from the study can be used to facilitate future planning and design of programs and research that advance the recycling of demolition debris. A sample of contractor members of the National Demolition Association was surveyed for the study. In addition to demolition contractors’ perception of impediments to salvage of wood structural components, the survey instrument provided a significant volume of descriptive information about demolition companies operating in the continental United States.