Construction and demolition waste accounts for nearly 40% of total landfill volume in the United States. New regulations in multiple states and across the EU are making single-use site protection materials increasingly expensive — and in some jurisdictions, impractical.
What’s Changing
California’s AB 1383 and the EU Waste Framework Directive now require construction sites to divert 65-75% of waste from landfills. Single-use floor protection — Ram Board, plastic sheeting, cardboard — is classified as construction waste and counts against these targets.
The Reusable Advantage
Reusable floor protection products are exempt from waste diversion calculations because they’re classified as durable equipment, not consumable materials. A single set of reusable protectors replaces 5-8 sets of disposable materials, dramatically reducing both waste volume and procurement costs.
Industry Response
Forward-thinking general contractors are already switching. Our data shows a 340% increase in reusable protection orders from US contractors since 2024, with the largest growth in California, New York, and Washington state.
Looking Ahead
As waste regulations continue to tighten, we expect reusable surface protection to become the industry standard within 3-5 years. Early adopters are already seeing cost savings and competitive advantages in bid submissions.
