Construction & Demolition Waste Recycling

Recycling construction and demolition (C&D) waste is not only a sustainable practice—it’s the law. The California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) requires qualifying projects to recycle or salvage at least 65% of non-hazardous construction debris.

To help meet this requirement, the city is partnering with Green Halo, an online tracking system that helps manage and report waste diversion for each project. Starting in early September, use of Green Halo will be required for qualifying projects. Updates will be provided closer to the launch date.

View our Construction & Demolition Waste Diversion & Recycling Guide for detailed information on requirements and best practices. 

Who needs to comply

Projects that meet the thresholds below must follow CALGreen recycling requirements and submit a Construction Waste Management Plan.

Residential

  • New construction
  • Demolition of any permitted structure
  • Additions or alterations requiring a building permit

Non-residential (e.g., commercial, industrial, multifamily, hotel)

  • New construction or demolition
  • Tenant improvements

How to comply using Green Halo

Beginning in early September, all qualifying projects will be required to use Green Halo. We will share additional updates and instructions as the launch date approaches.

Green Halo is a free, online waste tracking system that helps manage and report C&D waste diversion for each project. You must use Green Halo to submit your Construction Waste Management Plan and upload receipts.

  1. Register with Green Halo – Once your qualifying project is entered into the city's permitting system, you'll receive an email from Green Halo prompting you to submit your Construction Waste Management Plan.
  2. Estimate debris – Include an estimate of how much material you plan to divert through recycling or reuse.
  3. Track and submit receipts – Upload weight tickets and receipts to Green Halo before your final inspection.

New users: Register once you receive your activation email at wastetracking.com/city/carlsbad.

Returning users: Log in via email reminders or visit wastetracking.com/city/carlsbad.

Before your permit is issued

  • Submit your Construction Waste Management Plan
  • Provide all required city permit documents and fees

Green Halo button

What materials you can recycle or reuse
Hauling & dumpster requirements
Required on-site sorting
Q&A