NUEVAS ESTRATEGIAS EN LA GESTIÓN DE RESIDUOS DE CONSTRUCCIÓN Y DEMOLICIÓN

Abstract

Spain is one of the major producers of construction and demolition (C&D) waste in the European Union, however, presents a low level of C&D waste recovery (about 17%) which is well below the target level established by the Waste Framework Directive for the year 2020 (recovery of 70% of non-hazardous C&D waste). This paper presents the drawbacks of C&D waste management in Spain and expounds some strategies to improve the current situation, some of which are being promoted in other countries with satisfactory results. Firstly, we present some waste minimization strategies to incorporate at the early stages of project (design and planning considering waste minimization). Secondly, we detail some measures to reduce waste generation during project implementation and to improve the efficiency of subsequent treatments (material control, separate collection on-site and selective demolition). Thirdly, we describe new high-efficient recovery technologies (integrated treatment plants). Finally, we discuss some measures to boost the competitiveness of the market for recycled products (establishing quality standards, defining applications for recycled products, etc.), emphasizing the role of Government to promote the development of the measures raised (taxes for landfilling, incentives for recycling, etc.). Keywords: C&D waste; management strategies; sustainable construction; separate collection on-site; material control; selective demolition