Exploring factors influencing post-consumer gypsum recycling and landfilling in the European Union

Abstract

Post-consumer gypsum waste (GW) is increasingly generated in the European Union and not adequately managed in 20 out of the 28 European countries. Overall, it is estimated that 87% of post-consumer GW is landfilled in the EU-28. This waste stream holds unique characteristics, mainly due to its non-inert nature and its high sulphate content. Two main undesirable effects are produced when gypsum is not managed appropriately. First, gypsum contaminates concrete for recycling when treated as mixed waste. Second, the disposal of GW at landfills poses a risk of higher landfill emissions. Overall, potential secondary resources are lost. The main objective of this study is to explore factors influencing gypsum recycling and landfilling in the EU-28. The method includes a study of the literature and a structured questionnaire distributed to stakeholders. Data analysis is used to rank the critical factors (CFs) and conduct a comparison of respondents’ views divided into two groups (gypsum recycling and non-gypsum recycling countries are differentiated). The results show a set of 15 CFs categorized into four domains: policy, economic, social and environmental. More than half of the CFs belong to the policy domain, which indicates the relevance of regulatory and economic instruments for promoting a circular economy for gypsum.