Construction Debris
The NIH Construction Debris Program recycles debris resulting from new construction, renovation, or demolition activities at NIH. This debris often contains heavy materials such as drywall, concrete, wood, and glass. The amount of construction debris varies depending upon the size of the project. NIH's efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle construction debris helps reduce the environmental impact of producing new building materials.
If you would like more information about this program, please contact Bill Ketner (301.496.7990).
Construction Debris Dumpsters
The Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) provides construction debris dumpsters and hauling at no cost to the project for all construction and renovation projects on the Bethesda Campus. DEP is providing this service as part of our on-going efforts to achieve sustainable facility operations and LEED compliance where possible.
What Materials Are Recycled?
Carpet, wood, asphalt, concrete, masonry, gypsum wallboard, broken ceiling tiles, scrap metal, and plastic materials.
Scrap Metal: If you will have large amounts of scrap metal, please request a scrap metal dumpster as well.
Ceiling Tiles: If you have large amounts of ceiling tiles, do not place in dumpster. Please ask your contractors to separate and stack these on pallets on the loading docks. Our on-site contractor will carefully collect them for consolidation and recycling. Broken ceiling tiles will not be accepted.
Cardboard: Do not place in dumpster. Cardboard is to be flattened and left on the loading dock for collection by our on-site recycling contractor.
Resources for Project Officers
Site Selection Request
Project Officer must submit the NIH Site Selection Request Form 
before requesting a dumpster from the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP), Waste and Resource Recovery Branch (WRRB). Note: It takes approximately 2-3 weeks for the Site Selection committee to approve a request. Security fencing around the dumpster will be required as a condition of site approval.
Construction Debris Dumpster Request for Bethesda Campus
This service is provided through the DEP Solid Waste and Recycling Services Contract. To receive a construction debris dumpster (30-yard open-top), a minimum of 5 days advanced notice is required. To request a dumpster, send an email with the following information To: Tom Pfaffman and CC: Bill Ketner and Don Wilson:
Approval from Site Selection Committee
Date dumpster is required to be delivered
Location of dumpster: Submit approved site coordination sketch denoting approved dumpster location
Project Officer name, contact phone number, and email address
Project Name
Project Number
Expected Duration of project
Number of square feet involved in renovation
Estimated number of 30 yard loads expected from project
Questions: Contact Bill Ketner (301.496.7990) or WRRB in Building 13, Room 2W64.
Requesting Dumpster Pull with Return Delivery
The recycling contractor monitors the dumpsters daily. Once the contractor determines the dumpster is full, it will be pulled and returned to its location within 1-2 hours. Generally pulls will occur the same day, but on occasion next day pull service will be provided.
Requesting Permanent Removal of Dumpster
Please use the same email procedure as described in Construction Debris Dumpster Request, but simply specify the project number, building, and loading dock location. Next day service will be provided.
Data
DEP receives reports that summarize the types and quantities of construction debris recycled for each project. DEP is the data warehouse that keeps all of this data campus-wide for tracking and submitting reports as required by various environmental mandates and data calls. DEP can develop reports for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) reporting as requested. Project Officers may contact DEP to request LEED data for their projects.
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