Challenging construction industry with C&DW: opportunities and limits

Construction and Demolition Waste (C&DW) comprises the largest waste stream in the European Union (EU), with relatively stable amounts produced over time and high recovery rates: it is estimated at one third of total wastes generated in the EU. Although this may suggest that the construction sector is highly circular, scrutiny of waste management practices reveals that C&DW recovery is largely based on backfilling operations and low-grade recovery, such as using recycled aggregates in road sub-bases. These wastes are usually recovered as secondary raw materials after a recycling process resulting in the production of recycled sands and aggregates. Researches have been performed to show how it is possible to encourage and support the use of these recycled materials: preparation process and selection are fundamental for increasing capability of recycling. Analysis of recycled bricks and tiles sands and fine particles has also been tested as substitution product in concrete design. A quantitative analysis is proposed for five North West European (NWE) countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, where barriers are pointed out. The construction industry will be definitively affected by C&DW recycling for promoting circular economy in the coming years.