European industry bodies call for stronger C&D waste recycling policies

A communication issued by the European Waste Management Association (FEAD), the Fédération Internationale du Recyclage (FIR), and Recycling Europe’s Construction & Demolition chapter urges what the coalition calls the “unleashing of the circular potential of inert construction and demolition waste” across the EU.

The paper draws on more than 30 years’ experience in construction and demolition waste (CDW) recycling to set out practical recommendations from European associations representing the sector.

The three organisations highlight that CDW accounts for more than one-third of all waste generated in the EU and call for harmonised end-of-waste criteria, stronger recycled aggregate markets, better quality standards, procurement rules favouring recycled materials, and greater investment in recycling infrastructure.

The paper says the circular potential of CDW remains largely untapped because of several barriers.

These include low demand, competition from cheaper virgin materials and landfill, the mixed nature of CDW, poor traceability, and contamination of waste streams that could otherwise be recycled.

Furthermore, recycling performance varies considerably across the EU, with rates ranging from 10% to over 90% depending on the member state.

Arguing that legislation is the way forward, the paper suggests that the new EU Circular Economy Act (CEA) should introduce practical and proven measures that support CDW circularity in close alignment with the Public Procurement Act and the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA).

“Experience shows that high-quality CDW recycling is technically feasible and economically viable. This is particularly true for inert CDW, which accounts for approximately 85%.”

When processed, inert CDW produces a range of recycled aggregates that comply with European product standards and are suitable for a wide variety of construction applications.

These recommendations are intended to help replicate successful recycling practices across the EU while recognising the different needs of national markets.