Sometimes local governments must respond to disasters that destroy large numbers of homes. They may need to demolish partially destroyed homes and manage disaster debris.

Storm-damaged buildings

If your municipality has a disaster debris management plan, it may be worth reviewing it to see if it addresses environmental issues related to the demolition and disposal of debris from a large number of buildings.

If your community does not have a disaster debris management plan, you may want to consider developing one. EPA has guidance documents that address the environmental issues that arise in such situations and how they can, should or must be handled.

• Planning for Natural Disaster Debris (EPA-530-K-08-001) (PDF) (94 pp, 97 MB, About PDF) March 2008 - This publication is intended to help communities develop or revise a disaster debris management plan. Many aspects of disaster debris planning may be relevant to communities demolishing abandoned residential buildings. 
• EPA Region 5 Disaster Debris Management
• Disaster Debris
• If you are seeking to recycle construction or demolition waste, one place to look is Earth 911 Exitand search for "construction debris" and enter your zip code.
• The Construction and Demolition Recycling Association has a similar search engine for C&D debris recyclers Exit