We work with City departments to increase all recycling. Overall, Los Angeles achieved a 44.5% diversion rate in 1995. The goal is 62% by 2005.

In regard to C&D, the process starts with site development and includes land clearing, as well as on-site recycling, demolition, construction, operation, and tenant improvement materials. Therefore I prefer to call it CDL for construction, demolition and land clearing.

We worked with the CRA on the demolition of a building at 11th and Figueroa, and were able to recycle 98.5% of the building. This saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in disposal and developer costs. We look at the whole project development process, including project design. The owner, architect, estimators and hauler can all work together to maximize recycling. Scheduling of appropriate bins on site, for metal, gypsum, etc. is essential.

In 1990, C&D was 14% of Los Angeles' waste, segregated and commingled, and in 1995, C&D was 13%, or 441,000 tons. In the Northridge quake, 85% was recycled. Concrete, asphalt, metal, and drywall are all recycled.

We also look at sustainable design and environmental efficiency. The new Staples Center will have non-toxic carpets, etc. The new LAPD 911 facilities will be more sustainable for the operators, with windows that open and a recovery room for after a stressful call.

We have a Building Industry Recycling Tool Kit with examples of materials we prepared for businesses. Anyone can use our guide, just provide us ongoing acknowledgment.

You need to do outreach to city buildings, city influenced buildings, and private sector projects. The new LAPD facility used recycled materials, because I met with the architects from day one.

In terms of government regulations of CDL facilities, CIWMB is producing new regulations. Source-separated recycling facilities that produce an end product are defined as manufacturers, so are exempt. There are draft tiered regulations on the CIWMB Internet site.

We need more end markets. We are now composting wood, but we need to expand recycling to more materials, such as asphalt roofing, wall board, etc.

There is a national Construction Materials Recycling Association. We need a Southern California chapter. We are bringing in contractors and government officials for a Fall Œ98 kickoff meeting.

Question: After the earthquake, we had debris recycling at the landfills, like Calabasas and Chiquita Canyon. Isn't the problem that Los Angeles has such a cheap landfill? Can you do recycling at the landfill?

Ingalls: The problem is that mixed debris recycling equipment is expensive. There needs to be enough quantity to meet costs. Recycling is voluntary in Los Angeles City.

To put together a recycling construction plan you have to:

1. Work with owner, architect and contractors to set up the program.

2. Make a list of all materials to be discarded.

3. Prioritize the materials by volume anticipated.

4. Choose the materials to source separate.

5. Identify a convenient location close to where the waste is generated, and if space allows, put additional dumpsters for mixed and separated materials. Use tilt toppers, small bins that can be dumped in large dumpsters.

6. Inform and educate all levels of employees about the details of recycling programs.

7. Get a commitment from management to set an example by doing office recycling of paper, beverage cans, etc.

8. Create signage that stands out. (We use plastic coated signs that cost $50 a piece. Standard decals are too small and don't stand out on a dumpster.)

9. Communicate with employees and recognize them for making a difference.

Potential problems include:

1. Superintendent does not want to cooperate.

2. Subcontractors do not cooperate with the general contractor. (You need to specify recycling in all subcontracts.)

3. Loads are contaminated.

4. Space constraints eliminate the ability to separate on-site. (Separation is done at two dump sites in Los Angeles.)

Since contractors are motivated by money, point out that separation saves money for the contractor. However, since trash disposal costs are a very small percent of a project, mandating recycling is better motivation, because owners and contractors want to be on the city's good side.