Debris Box and Deconstruction Hauling

GreenWaste of Palo Alto offers debris box services for construction projects, deconstruction, remodels, property clean outs, and more. Debris boxes are available in a variety of sizes for source separated and mixed materials.

Effective July 1, 2020, the City of Palo Alto’s Deconstruction & Construction Materials Management Ordinance will no longer allow demolition. Instead, it requires deconstruction, the careful disassembly of building components which prioritizes reuse and recycling.

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Rate Categories

Mixed Material (A)

Garbage, construction debris, miscellaneous debris, mixed concrete, brick, sod

Source Separated (B)

Clean wood, metal, clean concrete, sheetrock, asphalt shingles, carpet, cardboard, dirt

Materials that are NOT Accepted

 

Concrete slurry or paste Food & Liquid Medical waste
Freon containing items Hazardous waste Sludge
(e.g. refrigerators, freezers, AC units) (e.g. batteries, paint, chemicals, oil) Treated wood
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20 CY Box

Our most popular box size, ideal for small remodels, deconstruction projects, property clean outs, and general debris removal.

Dimensions
16’ L x 8’ W x 5’.3” H

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30 CY Box

Great for medium to large sized construction projects, clean ups, office cleanouts, home additions, deconstruction, and more.

Dimensions
21’ L x 8’ W x 4’.5” H

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40 CY Box

The perfect size for large-scale or long term projects, such as major renovations, construction, deconstruction, and more.

Dimensions
21’ L x 8’ W x 7’.5” H

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15 CY Box

FOR HEAVY MATERIALSGreat for small remodels, home projects, bulky household items, and heavier materials such as concrete, brick, or dirt.

Dimensions
18’ L x 8’ W x 4’ H

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7 CY Box

FOR HEAVY MATERIALS

Best for heavy materials such as concrete, brick, or dirt.

Dimensions
14’ L x 8’ W x 2’ H

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2 or 4 CY Bin

FOR DECONSTRUCTION ONLY

Only available for light material types such as cardboard, carpet, metal, and wood.

Dimensions
2 CY bin: 81” L x 41.5” W x 51.5” H
4 CY bin: 81” L x 55.5” W x 66.5” H

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Deconstruction Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deconstruction?

Deconstruction is the systematic and careful dismantling of a structure, typically, in the opposite order it was constructed, to maximize the recovery of materials for reuse and recycling. For detailed information about the deconstruction requirements, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/deconstruction and refer to Palo Alto Municipal Code 5.24

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What are the Requirements?

The new deconstruction ordinance requires projects where structures are being completely removed to conduct a salvage survey designating the materials to be salvaged for reuse, deconstruct the structure, and source separate materials in different containers (i.e. debris boxes or bins) by material category for recycling. Reuse materials are required to be delivered directly to a City approved reuse organization by the deconstruction customer with certification provided to the City. For detailed information about the deconstruction requirements, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/deconstruction.

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What Needs to be Source Separated?

All deconstruction materials are required to be sorted onsite into specific categories.

Materials for reuse – These materials are designated as salvageable in the Salvage Survey. They are to be prepared and delivered to a City approved reuse facility by the deconstruction customer. Find a list of City approved reuse organizations at www.cityofpaloalto.org/deconstruction.
Materials for maximized recycling – GreenWaste of Palo Alto provides containers and collection service for these materials to be separated into specific categories and delivered to one of the City approved materials recovery facilities listed in Green Halo. Please review the Detailed Construction Materials Guide for more information about specific material categories.

Download Materials Guide

What Are the Source Separated Categories?

The categories for source separation of material are:

– Clean concrete
– Clean wood (e.g. unpainted wood/lumber, yard clippings/landscaping, etc.)
– Sheetrock
– Asphalt shingles
– Carpet
– Metal
– Cardboard
– Dirt

What Size and Type of Debris Boxes or Bins Do I Need?

GreenWaste has a variety of debris box sizes available, including 7 CY, 15 CY, 20 CY, 30 CY, and 40 CY boxes. Additionally, smaller 2 CY and 4 CY bins are available upon request. Deconstruction customers will work with an assigned GreenWaste Environmental Outreach Coordinator (EOC) to determine the type, size, and service frequency of containers (debris boxes or bins) for their project.

For detailed container information please refer to the Debris Box webpage.

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What if I Don’t Have Room for Multiple Containers?

GreenWaste Environmental Outreach Coordinators will assist each site to find solutions to space constraints and other site-specific challenges. Different sized containers are available.

How Often Will My Containers be Serviced?

Debris boxes and bins are on-call services. Collection must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling (650) 493-4894 or emailing pacustomerservice@greenwaste.com

Where is Deconstruction Material Processed?

GreenWaste hauls recyclable construction and miscellaneous materials to the GreenWaste Zanker Resource Recovery Facility, a City approved Recycling Certification Institute certified facility. Single stream recycling, carpet, and garbage is hauled to the GreenWaste San Jose Material Recovery Facility.