Storm Debris

The Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance is available to provide free, non-regulatory technical assistance to local governments on recycling of disaster debris. For assistance with the collection, processing or development of end markets for disaster debris, call DPPEA at (919) 715-6500, or toll free (800) 763-0136.

For convenience, DPPEA has provided individual commodity market listings described in the following text. The listings were compiled from the Recycling Markets Directory. If you do not have Internet access, please contact DPPEA at (919) 715-6500, or toll free (800) 763-0136 to obtain print outs of the information referenced below.

Vegetative Debris: Vegetative debris such as trees, stumps, brush, leaf and yard waste make up a large portion of the debris produced during tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters. Vegetative debris can be collected, stockpiled and processed to the specifications of a mulch or boiler fuel product. Although some local governments have purchased wood processing equipment, others find it more cost effective to contract out the services. Read DPPEA's Contract Grinding fact sheet for more information.

Note that in coastal areas boiler fuel markets may not be an option due to the amount of sand that can end up in the material after a storm. If non-storm wood waste is currently processed for a boiler market, a contingency market may be needed. Good planning and care in handling vegetative debris to keep out as much dirt and sand as possible will result in the highest value end product. Dirt, sand and rocks can also damage processing equipment and make grinding inefficient. Using a debris site with plentiful space and easy access helps minimize pushing debris along the ground where it will pick up soils and other materials that will make the material more difficult to market.

Vegetative Debris Recycling Markets
Wood Waste – Mobile Grinders
Wood Waste – Boiler Fuel
Wood Waste – Mulch
Wood Waste – Land Clearing Debris
Yard Waste

Aggregates: Large amounts of aggregate debris such as asphalt pavement and concrete may result from the destruction of roadways during disasters. These materials can be collected, stockpiled and processed to the specifications for road base aggregate or solid fill material.

Aggregates Recycling Markets
Concrete and Brick
Concrete and Brick – Mobile Grinders

Construction and Demolition Debris: Another large component of disaster debris is the construction and demolition material that results from the destruction of homes, commercial and non-commercial buildings and other structures. The materials produced from these sources may include wood, aggregates, metals, gypsum, plastics and other miscellaneous components.

It is possible that demolition related disaster debris would be contaminated with municipal solid waste and/or hazardous waste. If demolition debris is contaminated, disposal at a permitted MSW disposal facility may be required. If uncontaminated, these materials can be managed by using existing recycling facilities, or C&D landfills and supplemented by establishing temporary emergency debris processing sites in areas where adequate recycling infrastructure does not exist. For technical assistance in the development of emergency debris and C&D debris processing sites, please refer to the N.C. Division of Waste Management’s posted guidelines, or contact DWM at (919) 508-8400. Some of the recycling options include:

Mixed C&D Processing: Several permanent mixed construction and demolition debris processing facilities exist in North Carolina. In times of natural disaster, the DWM may also approve temporary emergency debris staging sites to process excess storm debris. The DWM operates an on-line directory to locate the temporary facilities approved by the division.

Permanent Mixed C&D Processing Facilities
Emergency Debris Staging Sites

Material Reuse: Material re-use centers, such as Habitat for Humanity Re-Use Centers and others, accept used building materials in good condition such as lumber, windows, doors and appliances. Source-separated, clean, quality items may be salvaged in this manner.

C&D Materials – Salvaged Building Materials

Deconstruction: Deconstruction is the practice of dismantling houses or other structures and reusing the resulting building materials. Deconstruction salvages valuable resources and reduces disposal needs. A number of organizations (see below) offer deconstruction services in North Carolina. In addition, it may be possible to find funding prior to a disaster through FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant program. The funds may be used to deconstruct or demolish homes within flood prone areas to avoid future destruction. Contact your local emergency management office for more information about this grant program.

Deconstruction Services Markets

Mobile Homes Affected by Flooding: Mobile homes damaged by disasters are usually handled differently than traditional C&D waste. Alternative management and disposal methods are required for mobile homes affected by flooding.