Recycle (even) better construction and demolition waste

The transition to a circular economy presents a challenge for the construction sector, especially when it comes to recycling materials other than stone, which need to be processed in a high-quality manner. In recent years, producers have increasingly integrated recycled materials into new construction products, reducing environmental impact and offering economic benefits. However, for recycling to be effective, it is crucial to maintain the quality of materials by collecting waste selectively from the source, i.e., directly at the construction site.

Innovative solutions, such as those tested on 17 construction sites in Brussels, have shown the importance of preparation and waste flow estimation to optimize recycling. For example, the separate collection of plastic waste has proven to be cost-effective on construction sites. Additionally, new circular models provide opportunities for reusing waste from one company for another, creating environmental and economic benefits.

In demolition work, it is vital to handle waste selectively, treating materials as reusable resources. A qualitative demolition inventory helps in better organizing selective collection and the reuse of demolished materials.