A Decision-Support Simulation Platform for Evaluating Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Policies in Florida Counties
We are building a simulation tool that lets county officials test construction and demolition (C&D) debris recycling policies under their own local conditions, before they adopt them.
- Project period
- August 16, 2026 – August 15, 2027
- Sponsor
- Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
- Institution
- University of North Florida
- Principal Investigator
- Navid Nickdoost, Ph.D.
The challenge
Florida generates millions of tons of C&D debris every year, yet recycling performance varies widely from county to county. Most Florida counties operate without a diversion ordinance.
County officials who want to improve recycling have no practical way to see how a policy would perform locally before committing public resources. The options include diversion mandates, deposit-refund systems, differential tipping fees, facility certification, procurement mandates for recycled materials, or a combination.
What we are building
The platform models the key players in the C&D system: contractors of different sizes, recycling facilities, landfills, end-product markets, and regulators. It shows how they respond when policy conditions change.
The prototype is developed and tested for a single Florida county as a proof of concept, and is designed so county staff can enter their own local parameters.
Project status
TAG Meeting 1
Project kickoff with the Technical Awareness Group, held September 10, 2026.
Meeting detailsPhase 1: Building the knowledge base
Documenting county regulations, fees, facilities, and contractor practices.
Project scheduleSponsorship
This research is sponsored and funded by the William W. “Bill” Hinkley Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management. Learn more about the Center’s research program at hinkleycenter.org.