In Hillsboro, Oregon, a former school building constructed over 80 years ago has been demolished, and it has been announced that the rubble from the demolition will be recycled. The Hillsboro Union High School first opened its doors in 1929. Throughout its history, it was also known as J.B. Thomas Junior High and the J.B. Thomas Middle School. Demolition crews tackled the school project over the summer, with work wrapping up late last month.

Now, the rubble and various other materials from the project are going to be recycled. The wood floors in the gym and other hardwood well be cleaned up and resold, says Dan Obrist of Dan Obrist Excavation, which took on the $978,800 school demolition project. Other materials being recycled are steel and aluminum pipes and other objects, as well as tons of concrete. The concrete will be used to make gravel and backfill. All told, 95 percent of the materials from the site can be recycled, according to Obrist.

However, asbestos contaminated some parts of the site. Because asbestos exposure may lead to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, the materials were taken to a local landfill for safe disposal. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year. Sadly, the majority of these patients will lose their battle with this form of cancer within just two years of being diagnosed.

Cleaning up the asbestos-contaminated portions of the site will cost $150,000. Lead and possible fuel leaks may add to the cleanup costs.

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