Wastes valorisation and reuse for applications in construction : a review of the technical regulation in Europe

Abstract

Among the initiatives for global sustainability, such as the European Green Deal and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, waste management emerges as a prominent issue. Europe faces significant annual waste generation whose impact on the environment and human health requires more sustainable practices of production and consumption. Therefore, sustainable waste management is a crucial priority in the environmental scenario globally. The waste legislation evolution in Europe resulted in several directives and laws, aimed at promoting waste reduction, recycling and reuse, with the ultimate goal of achieving “zero waste” and complete transition to a real circular economy. That proposes an approach in which materials are exploited and reused as much efficiently as possible, minimising waste spread and environmental impact. In this perspective, the construction sector could give its strong contribution in waste reuse by including residues in building and construction materials and components. This review discussed the European legislation on waste classification and management, with a focus on the opportunities and benefits of reusing wastes in the construction context, in accordance with the Minimum Environmental Criteria, the circular economy objectives, and the industrial symbiosis. More particularly, the potential and benefits of some types of waste reuse in construction are analysed, such as organic, plastic, or industrial wastes in general. Those find various applications in construction, such as thermal insulation, panels, cladding, plasters, structures, and others. This approach not only could reduce the volume of landfilled wastes, but also offer an opportunity to exploit resources that are commonly considered unusable. This practice is part of a larger context of environmental sustainability and the promotion of a greener future, representing an effective solution to sustainable waste management, also offering several economic, environmental, and social benefits. In fact, it could contribute to the transformation to a more efficient, resilient, and environmentally friendly sector, driving innovation and the search for environmentally sustainable solutions for the built environment.