An overview of the waste hierarchy framework for analyzing the circularity in construction and demolition waste management in Europe

Chunbo Zhang,Mingming Hu,Francesco Di Maio,Benjamin Sprecher,Xining Yang,Arnold Tukker

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149892

Abstract

The construction sector is the biggest driver of resource consumption and waste generation in Europe. The European Union (EU) is making efforts to move from its traditional linear resource and waste management system in the construction sector to a level of high circularity. Based on the theory of circular economy, a new paradigm called waste hierarchy was introduced in the EU Waste Framework Directive. This work uses the framework of the waste hierarchy to analyze the practice of construction and demolition waste (CDW) management in Europe. We explore the evolution of the waste hierarchy in Europe and how it compares with the circular economy. Then, based on the framework, we analyze the performance of CDW management in each EU member state. Innovative treatment methods of CDW, focusing on waste concrete, is investigated. This brings insight into optimizing and upgrading the CDW management in light of advanced technologies and steering the pathway for transitioning the EU towards a circular society.

Highlights

The construction sector is the biggest driver of resource consumption and waste generation in Europe
We explore the evolution of the waste hierarchy in Europe and how it compares with the circular economy
Except for a small number of member state (MS) (Netherlands (3%), Denmark (3%), Belgium (4%), Slovenia (5%), Sweden (8%), and Austria (9%)), the landfilling rates of non-mineral waste ( construction and demolition waste (CDW)) of the rest are higher than 10% and 11 of them were higher than 30% in 2016 (Eurostat, 2021e). landfilling of CDW is expected to be gradually replaced by at least downcycling routes in the near future

Summary

Introduction

The construction sector is the biggest driver of resource consumption and waste generation in Europe. The first iteration of the WFD can be traced back to the 1975 Council Directive on Waste (75/442/EEC) (EC, 1975), in which methods for waste management were divided into (i) reduction in quantities of waste; and (ii) disposal via recycling and re-use, via recovery, and via storage and underground (see Fig. 2b). The principle of “Ladder of Lansink” has gradually evolved into what is known today as the waste hierarchy, and is an indispensable part of waste legislation, both EUwide and globally

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Conclusion