Let’s Talk Trash: What is Construction and Demolition Waste?

This month’s focus of Clatsop County Community Development Department’s Let’s Talk Trash campaign is construction or demolition waste.

Let’s Talk Trash is a six-month campaign launched by Code Compliance to raise awareness of when trash buildup on property could result in a violation.

“This type of waste can be bricks and masonry, concrete, wood, metal including piping, plaster and drywall, glass and windows, landscape waste and many other things,” said Code Compliance Specialist Nancy Mendoza.

Depending on what it is, you can take construction or demolition waste to the Astoria transfer station for disposal and/or recycling unless the construction/demolition waste contains asbestos.

Homes may contain asbestos in the walls, roof, floors, siding, ceilings, walls and other areas. When asbestos-containing material is disturbed and improperly handled the asbestos fibers can enter our bodies through breathing. There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos.

A more detailed list of material that may contain asbestos is available from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

What if construction/demolition waste is dumped on your property?

If construction or demolition waste is dumped on your property, the safest thing for you to do is to treat it as if it contains asbestos. Remember, there is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos.

If this has happened to you:

• File a report with the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office for illegal dumping
• Hire an accredited inspector to determine if the waste contains asbestos or,
• Treat the waste as if it does contain asbestos. Read the instructions for handling and disposal of construction/demolition waste containing asbestos
• Contact the DEQ Asbestos program at the number below for further instructions

Asbestos Program Contacts

DEQ provides a list of licensed asbestos abatement contractors.