Page 375 - New Trends in Eco efficient and Recycled Concrete
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330 New Trends in Eco-efficient and Recycled Concrete
Due to each treatment method of wastes leading to different environmental out-
comes, it is important to control the implementation of waste policies developed by
each Member State. The Commission, in 2011, published a series of guidance docu-
ments on how to develop the waste policies.
The definition of ‘waste’ was modernised in the Waste Framework Directive 2008/
98/EC (WFD). The main objective was redefining the concept to promote a life cycle
approach that supports the concept of a circular economy. Thus, the WFD clarifies the
difference between ‘by-products’ and ‘wastes’. In addition, the WFD defines the con-
cept ‘end of waste’ clarifying the waste properties when they cease to be residues.
The most voluminous group of wastes produced in the European Union (EU) are
the CDW reaching a range of 25% 30% of all residues generated by Member States.
According to its definition, CDW is composed of different groups of materials,
including concrete, bricks, gypsum, soil, metals, wood, glass, plastic or solvents
(with small amounts of hazardous wastes).
Composition is a consequence of the material’s origin: CDW come from the
engineering and construction sector, total or partial demolition works of buildings
and civil infrastructure such as roads and bridges, or other planning and mainte-
nance works.
Due to the high potential of reuse for a second cycle life, these residues have
been identified by the EU as a priority. However, the percentages of CDW recycled
by the Member States are variable, as it is observed in Fig. 12.1 where the material
recovery and backfilling is listed.
Figure 12.1 CDW generated in the EU: material recovery and backfilling. CDW,
Construction and demolition waste.