Abstract:
About 50% of the materials extracted from the earth’s crust are used in construction. Given the huge consumption
that has been made of minerals and ores in Europe, which amounts to about 15 tons per year for each inhabitant of the
European Union, of which about 2/3 are industrial and ornamental rocks, it is necessary to promote urgently significant
changes to consumption patterns.
The recycling of construction materials is an ancient practice, used by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. In the
modern era, began to find expression in Europe after the 2nd World War, when crushed rock started to be used in the
reconstruction of buildings.
The Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) are wastes derived from construction, reconstruction, extension,
alteration, maintenance and demolition and collapse of buildings. They include soil, rocks, vegetation, earthworks and
foundations and also materials used in roads maintenance.
This paper presents an overview, at the international level, of the type, amount produced and amount recycled of
CDW.
The importance of the knowledge related with the in situ performance of recycled materials is highlighted, together
with the contribution of studies and technical specifications for the acceptance of these materials.
A brief presentation of the production and recycle process of construction and demolition waste is made and their
application in geotechnical works is addressed.
Finally, barriers regarding the application of these materials are identified and some procedures in order to
encourage the use of recycled materials are pointed out, such as: implementation of a waste management plan for the
planning, design, construction and maintenance of works; strong incentive for selective demolition and separation in
situ, in order to obtain good quality waste for recycling, encourage recycling in situ; promote conditions for the
installation of recycling areas; promote the use of CDW in public and private works; promote the creation of recycling
facilities in appropriate areas with strategic location; promote cooperation between enterprises of the construction
sector, stakeholders and RTD institutions, to implement research and, consequently, expand the scope of CDW
application.
