KTKA

Topeka — GreenPoint Construction and Demolition Processing Facility is doing its part to help keep Topeka green.

"It's amazing how much is generated in just regular trash everyday," said owner David Bahm.

The facility recycles construction and demolition waste "to eliminate unnecessary materials going into the landfill; carpet, sheetrock, pallets," Bahm said.

The facility opened in April this year, and to David's knowledge, GreenPoint is the first construction and demolition waste processing facility in Kansas.

"We're bringing in about 200 ton a week right now. Our goal is to have approximately a 1,000 ton a week," Bahm said.

Contractors like Sandy Diven drop off leftover debris, and the facility sorts and separates the load.

"I think it's an excellent idea. We get to get rid of our stuff and we don't have to take it to a landfill," Diven said.

The facility has about 20 large bins, separating materials such as roofing, metals, concrete, and wood. The materials can be ground or chopped up and used in a variety of ways.

"We're gonna grind all this material and make a landscaping mulch," said David of a pile of wood pallets.

Kansas has 131 construction and demolition landfills. David says if more communities had recycling facilities like GreenPoint, hundreds of thousands of tons of waste could be prevented from pilling up in landfills and instead be put to good use.

"I think it helps keep waste off the highways. I feel like it should be all over the country," Bahm said.