Recycling construction and demolition waste for construction in Kansas City metropolitan area, Kansas and Missouri

Although several coastal cities across the United States continue to see growth in the recycling of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, the Kansas City metropolitan area (KC metro area), straddling the states of Kansas and Missouri, continues to lag behind. A study was conducted to examine the reasons behind the lag and to explore the barriers to C&D waste management policies and practices in the region. The research involved a thorough investigation of published literature and websites from the region and coastal cities; interviews with local officials, designers, contractors, and owners in the regional construction industry (Topeka, Kansas; Lawrence, Kansas; KC metro area; and other bordering cities); and e-mails from designers and local officials from some coastal cities. The research found that the KC metro area faces problems unique to the region, such as unlimited landfill space, lack of markets for recycled C&D products, lack of facilities to recycle C&D wastes, lack of educational programs and recycling information, legislative issues, and poor supply chain management for C&D wastes. The interviewees identified several solutions and barriers to the implementation of comprehensive C&D waste management policies and practices. However, most interviewees agreed that combining regional and national efforts is the key to successful C&D waste management policies and practices in the KC metro area.