A few days ago the San Diego Union-Tribune printed a short news item under the heading, “Developers who recycle will get their deposit back.” In a recent action, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to require recycling deposits for construction projects greater than 40,000 square feet, including “new construction, demolition and renovations…” What I find most interesting about this measure is its requirement that the county refund the deposits with interest if recycling targets are met.

Once again the County of San Diego has taken the lead over the city. Surprise, surprise! Then again, the City of San Diego couldn’t very well enact a similar measure, since it apparently needs every penny it collects to fund the pensions of city employees and the legal fees of officials involved in the pension-fund scandal.

Ok, enough haranguing. Let’s take a look at this new requirement. While I do not know the details, the article states that a deposit of 20 cents per square foot is required, with a cap of $25,000 per project. The mandated targets themselves are worth noting: developers must recycle at least 90 percent of inert materials, such as concrete and asphalt, and 50 percent of all other materials in order to get their deposits back with interest.

There’s nothing revolutionary about the first part of that equation. For 20 years, most California construction and demolition companies have been recycling the inert waste materials. Why? Because it makes economic sense. Independent crushing operators charge only a fraction of what local landfills charge to discard these materials. Crushing operators grind up the materials and sell the resulting “rock” for use in other products, such as road base.

At this point I normally would chide the board of supervisors for requiring contractors to do something that they are doing cheerfully anyway. But I won’t go there this time, because the supervisors have gone a significant step further and upped the ante by requiring something that, to my knowledge, goes well beyond the mandates of other California municipalities.

Typically, local council critters and supervisors have passed laws requiring the diversion of 50 percent of all construction and demolition debris, knowing full well that most major structures are comprised of at least 50 percent concrete, asphalt, steel, aluminum and copper, which already are being recycled. I can only surmise that they pass these regulations to give the impression they are doing something.

Now, in San Diego, which is so far south of the power elite in Sacramento and the green guys in Berkeley, Marin and San Francisco that some consider it part of Mexico, a few leaders are actually leading! Sure, these supervisors are holding to the old 50 percent rule, but after the usual stuff has already entered the reuse and recycling streams. That means that developers and contractors doing larger projects in the County of San Diego will be diverting upwards of 70 to 75 percent of construction and demolition materials.

If you want an excuse to visit a truly Midwestern city in full spring bloom, attend the Building Materials Reuse Association Conference, May 14 to 16, 2007, in Madison, Wisconsin. Visit . www.buildingreuse.org for more information.

We have a spectacular double-front door—solid oak in a natural finish. Overall width is 9.5 feet, including side panels. Height is 8 feet including an 30-inch arched top window of etched glass. This is just a sample of the great materials that have recently arrived in the Oakland warehouse.

This month we are featuring cabinets. We have scores to choose from. Receive 25% off on any cabinet purchase through April 15 with a copy of this e-letter.

TRP is accepting donations of cars, trucks, SUV's, RV's, and motorcycles. Donating a vehicle is a simple process. You just pick up the phone and call. We do the rest. So if you'd like to get rid of an unwanted vehicle, phone now for a pickup. 800-574-0888. Or you can donate your vehicle online at www.vehiclesforcharity.com. Unfortunately, vehicle donations can only be made from the Bay Area counties plus Santa Cruz.

Go to our website www.thereusepeople.org, click on the tab "Opportunities" and look under the heading "Employment Opportunities"

• All materials from the complete deconstruction of a 2,100 sq-ft custom ranch project in Palo Alto
• All materials, except lumber, from a 2,700 sq-ft custom home in Saratoga, including windows, doors, electric and plumbing fixtures and kitchen cabinets
• All materials from two custom ranch homes, each 3,000 sq-ft, in Lafayette, with great windows, doors and appliances

• Materials from the following projects beginning or continuing in March…
• 5,000 sq-ft contemporary home in Point Loma
• 2,500 sq-ft ranch style home in Dana Point
• 2,500 sq-ft ranch style home in Palos Verdes Estates
• 1,100 sq-ft Spanish style bungalow in Los Angeles
• 3,000 sq-ft contemporary home in Seal Beach
• 2,000 sq-ft contemporary home in Pacific Palisades
• 2,500 sq-ft ranch style home in Pacific Palisades
• 3,000 sq-ft ranch style home in La Canada-Flintridge
• 3,500 sq-ft contemporary redwood home in Del Mar
• 1,800 sq-ft Spanish style bungalow in West Hollywood
• 3,000 sq-ft ranch style home in Encino
• 2,000 sq-ft Spanish bungalow in West Hollywood
• 3,000 sq-ft ranch style home in Santa Monica
• 4,000 sq-ft arts and crafts home in Santa Monica
• 1,000 sq-ft guest house in Pacific Palisades
• 1,000 sq-ft beach cottage in Venice
• 2,500 sq-ft contemporary home in Encinitas
• 4,000 sq-ft contemporary ranch style home in Pacific Palisades
• 8,000 sq-ft Spanish style estate in Rancho Santa Fe
• 14,000 sq-ft office building in West L.A.
• 6,000 sq-ft two-story Cape Code style home in Beverly Hills
• 1,400 sq-ft beach bungalow in La Jolla
• 2,000 sq-ft contemporary home in Manhattan Beach
• Kitchen remodel in Fairbanks Ranch

New Location and Contact Information

TRP ReUse Bazaar
9235 San Leandro Street
Oakland, CA 94603
(510) 383-1983; toll-free 888-588-9490
Hours: Mon through Fri 10:00 to 6:00; Sat and Sun 10:00 to 4:00

Please visit our partnering warehouses in the greater Los Angeles area:

Habitat Home Improvement Store
17700 S. Figueroa (corner of 182nd), Gardena/Carson CA 90248
(310)-323-5665
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6: 00 p.m.