Greeting reuse fans,
As you are keenly aware, CJ is always looking for ways to divert building material waste from the landfill. While reuse is the “brass ring” we reach for, we also look for recycling opportunities that work with our operation. For example, positioning a scrap dumpster in our parking lot (years ago) resulted in a broader range of metal materials we could accept. We are pleased to announce that we will be piloting a partnership that will allow CJ to accept scrap polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials, including pipe, pieces of vinyl siding and window frames–any products that are 100% PVC, CPVC, or vinyl.
CJ is launching this pilot with a company from Ashland Ohio called Return Polymers. With 25 years of operation under its belt and 750 million pounds of PVC/vinyl diverted from landfill to product feedstock, this company has been a leader in the development, implementation, and delivery of recycled PVC compound solutions. Since the recycling industry is about volume, we could not consider this pilot without the support of our partners at Michael Brothers Hauling and Recycling. They will be working with commercial operations to collect large quantities of PVC/vinyl waste and will aggregate CJ collected materials with their ability to collect larger quantities. Our goal is not only to divert this material from disposal, but to efficiently collect the volume necessary to receive compensation for the PVC scrap.
PVC fits into the problematic narrative of just how little of the plastic we produce gets recycled. Global PVC production is about 44 million metric tons with about 3% recycled annually. The versatility of this material makes it the third largest type of plastic produced and it is used extensively in building materials and medical supplies. As with all plastics it relies on nonrenewable fossil fuels, PVC is a combination of chorine and natural gas or oils. When the waste material is incinerated it emits chemicals that are toxic to the environment, so we need to find ways to promote its reuse and/or recycling.
During the pilot, CJ is asking that only home owners and small contractors bring us your PVC/vinyl scrap. We ask that you bring the materials to our loading dock so we can pull any pieces of PVC material for reuse – we will enthusiastically accept your scrap PVC pieces or that box of vinyl siding that may have a few pieces left for recycling!
We can accept both rigid and flexible vinyl materials that have been painted, with some caulking attached, and a few nails are ok (but always preferable to remove).
- No siding will be accepted with styrofoam glued to the back
- No wood wrapped with vinyl can be accepted
If you have larger projects, like whole house siding removal, please call Michael Brothers Hauling to discuss options for collection or drop off and ask to speak to Tom Milani (412) 835-6428.
Also, I am excited to note, Return Polymers has developed a line of products that uses 100% recycled PVC in creating PVC products. Check out their products here. We are excited to learn about and work with this company.
Thanks for supporting reuse and recycling!
Mike Gable
Executive Director
