Construction & Demolition Waste

CHARACTERISTICS

Construction and demolition (C&D) activities generate a variety of waste materials. Proper management of these materials is essential for sustainability and environmental protection. Common types of C&D waste and their recycling and re-use potential include:

• Excavated Rock/Stone – Reuse onsite or processed for aggregate.
• Concrete and Bricks – Crushed and reuse as aggregate for roads and sub-bases.
• Asphalt – Recycled for new mixtures, potential for a mix with glass fines.
• Metals – Steel, Aluminum, and Copper are recovered and sold due to high demand.
• Timber – Salvaged for landscaping and other uses.
• Plastics – Previously a low recovery rate, plastic recycling in on the rise.
• Plasterboard – Challenging to separate but highly recyclable, with takeback available.
• Asbestos and Contaminated Soil – Hazardous waste requiring specialised disposal.
• Soil and Sand – re-used in construction and landscaping if uncontaminated.
• Miscellaneous Materials – such as packaging, glass, and other non-durable goods, often recycled alongside other waste streams.
• Vegetation – Composted or mulched after site clearing.

Effective management of C&D waste through recycling and re-use can significantly reduce environmental impact and provide economic benefits. The recovery and marketability of these materials depend on local conditions, pricing structures, and technological advancements in recycling processes.

CHALLENGES

In Australia, the recovery and recycling of Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste face multifaceted challenges. Despite the pressing need for sustainable waste management practices, several obstacles hinder progress on a national scale.

These challenges include the availability of robust infrastructure tailored for C&D waste, regulatory complexities, limited public awareness, and economic viability concerns. Such hurdles not only impede environmental conservation efforts but also exacerbate issues like landfill overflow, resource depletion, and pollution.

However, solutions lie within concerted efforts: from significant investments in infrastructure to policy reforms, public education campaigns, and advancements in recycling technologies. Urgent action is imperative to address these challenges, emphasising collaboration and innovation as key drivers toward a more sustainable future for C&D waste management in Australia.