Zero Waste Requirements for Building Permits

The Town of Banff strives to be a model environmental community, where everything we do is guided by a goal to protect this special place. Our community goal is to send zero waste to landfill by 2050. Waste generated by the construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) sector makes up a significant volume of waste that could be recycled or reused, instead of being sent to landfill.   

All projects that require a building permit in Banff must adhere to strict zero waste requirements, following deconstruction or green demolition principles. All recoverable materials must be separated for reuse or recycling. 

What is the difference between deconstruction, salvage, and green demolition?  

Deconstruction: Compared to traditional demolition, deconstruction salvages and redistributes building materials, diverting up to 95% for reuse or recycling. Deconstruction is also quieter and reduces dust generation 

Salvage: salvaged building materials can be reused onsite, taken to used building materials stores, donated to non-profit organizations, or sold directly to local builders. 

Green Demolition: includes, and sometimes goes beyond, recycling of all building materials. Green demolition involves dismantling a building in such a way that its elements are reused or recycled instead of ending up in the landfill. CRD image Opens in new window

Image Source: The Business Case for Deconstruction (Vancouver Economic Commission) 

Zero Waste requirements apply to all Building Permits. You are required to:  

  1. Review bylaw requirements for recycling & reuse on CRD projects (see below). 
  2. Submit waste management form as part of your construction site plans with any Development Permit.
  3. Complete Zero Waste Compliance Reporting components of the Building Permit, using this form to indicate how and where you will reuse or recycle materials generated by the project. You will need to attach scale tickets, receipts, and/or photographs to this report.  

Beginning in 2023, Town of Banff plans to introduce a performance bond which will be calculated based on the scale of your project. You will have the opportunity to receive a full return on your bond if you reuse or recycle at least 70% of materials.  

 


Town of Banff Bylaw Requirements 

It is the responsibility of the permit holder to:  

1. Ensure that materials are separated out for reuse or recycling 

Materials identified as easily recoverable include:  

  • Asphalt 

  • Concrete 

  • Drywall 

  • white wood 

  • pressure treated wood 

  • Clean, kiln-dried wood  

  • branches scrub and brush 

  • assorted metals 

  • Other common materials include electronics, mattresses/box springs, refrigerators/freezers, lighting, and any other illegal waste 

2. Ensure that your construction waste storage containers have wildlife proof covers 

The container cover must: 

  • Restrict the entry of animals
  • Prevent litter from escaping
  • Be closed at all times other than during active construction hours
  • Be an opaque tarp, canvas, or steel lid
  • Be affixed to the container using a method that will ensure the cover remains in place
  • Overhangs the container and is affixed a minimum of 30cm below the edge of the bin opening

  

Differential tipping fees for sorted and unsorted materials are in effect at two drop off locations:  


Town of Banff Waste Transfer Site located at 138 Hawk Avenue and open seven days a week, except public holidays, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please note that no loads will be accepted after 3:15 p.m. 

Sorted load: $150/tonne 

Unsorted load: $230/tonne 

 

For more information call 403.762.1234

Francis Cooke Landfill and Resource Recovery Facility open 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday. To ensure acceptance, please be at the site by 3:30 pm. No loads accepted later than 3:45 pm. 

Sorted load: $115/tonne 

Unsorted load: $230/tonne 

 

For more information call 403-673-2708 or visit bvwaste.ca

 


Reach out to Town of Banff staff by emailing zero.waste@banff.ca if you need help with:   

  1. Free signage to help educate & inform workers on site  
  2. A rental bin for non-CRD waste generated on site (i.e. food scraps) 
  3. A cardboard collection bin 
  4. Help discussing waste management options with your team & contractors 

 

FAQ 

Why is the Town of Banff introducing requirements for CRD waste?

Waste generated by the CRD sector doubles the waste footprint of the Town of Banff. Reusing and recycling key materials reduces the need to extract raw materials, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and extends the life of our local waste management facility.  

How are the requirements being enforced?  

The requirements will be enforced through a compliance report in the Building Permit process. In the future, projects will be required to pay a performance bond to ensure accountability around reuse and recycling of easily recoverable materials.  

How much will the performance bond cost and how will the refund be determined? 

The cost of the performance bond will be based on the size of the project. You will receive the full amount of your deposit back if your recycling rate is higher than 70%. If your recycling rate is less than 70%, your refund will be calculated on a sliding scale. 

Where can I go for help/resources?  

Many projects will be disposing of materials at the Francis Cooke facility in Exshaw. We recommend reading their user guide as a reference. Town of Banff staff are also available to assist you in making a plan. Contact zero.waste@banff.ca if you need help.  

Construction Waste Management How-To Guide (PDF)

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