As the former Austin Utilities plant fades from Austin’s skyline, the majority of the debris that has come with its demolition has been recycled, according to a plant official.

Alex Bumgardner, Energy Resources and Utility Operations Director, said the city’s bid package contained “elements that wanted the contractor to really focus on salvage or for reuse,” as much as possible, he said. Although no official calculations have been completed yet, Bumgardner estimated 75 percent of the materials are being recycled.

The request to recycle springs from just wanting to do the right thing.

“It is always one of Austin Utilities objectives to be good stewards of the environment,” Bumgardner said. “We felt that stressing the importance of material recycling in the project was consistent with Austin Utilities’ values as an organization.”

All metal — steel, copper, any type of metal — is being recycled, he said, adding that Watson Recycling of Austin is taking care of that process.

As well, all the soil on site is being screened of debris and put back as fill. Normally, all soil dug up is carted away and new fill brought it, which is “much more expensive and labor intensive,” he said. The general contractor, Landwehr Construction, Inc., of St. Cloud, will handle the screening.

There have been a few small pockets of contaminated soil uncovered, he said, but not anywhere near the number the staff thought they might have. The utility has worked with Braun Intertec on cleaning up the site, he said.

“We expected more than what we’ve found, so we’re happy,” said Bumgardner.

Demolition is on track, despite “a few slow-ups,” said Bumgardner. Deadline now, after the short delays, is July 10, he said.

Whatever structure is in place today at the site should be gone this week, he said. Landwehr Construction, Inc., of St. Cloud is the general contractor.

The demolition makes way for construction of a new recreation center and YMCA, which should be completed sometime next year.