Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW), from the construction, maintenance, renovation and demolition of buildings and structures, represents a large proportion of the waste in industrialized societies. Compared to other forms, such as household waste, more than 90% of CDW can be used as a resource and a substitute for construction materials, especially for primary, natural raw materials. Reuse, recovery and recycling depends on the quality and market for the materials, and the environmental impact of the processes for conversion of CDW from old structures to its use in new structures. However, the utilization today of CDW products as secondary resources is marginal. Most CDW is deposited or used as fill material, and the opportunities of high quality recycling are generally neglected. This book presents the opportunities for the sustainable and resource efficient utilisation of CDW, focusing on recycling of concrete and masonry as the major forms of CDW. The recycling of gypsum, timber, mineral wool, asphalt and other types are also described. Its aim is to present a chain of value and material streams in the transformation of obsolete buildings and structures into new buildings and structures. It takes a holistic view, focusing on the lifecycle economy (the circular economy) and integrated management aspects of various scenarios ranging from high industrial urban renewal to debris removal and management after disasters and conflicts. It is based on the author ́s 35 years of research and development combined with practical international experience within the demolition and recycling area. It addresses students, architects, civil engineers, building owners, public authorities and others working in urban planning, demolition and resource management in the building and construction sector and in the reconstruction of damaged buildings after disasters and wars.

Transformation of structures and materials -- Demolition -- Recycling -- Integrated cdw management -- Disaster waste management -- Construction, demolition and disaster waste management in the future

This book addresses one of the major solid waste streams resulting from modern society, construction and demolition debris (CDD). CDD in the past has not received the same attention as other waste streams (e.g., municipal solid waste), but with the growing recognition of the environmental and economic importance of proper CDD management, this material now is the focus of attention of many government agencies and private businesses. This book provides a comprehensive review of CDD, its characteristics, environmental risks, and regulatory requirements, along with an in-depth discussion of the issues pertaining to CDD recycling and disposal.

The three volumes from part of the Proceedings of the two-day International Conference organised by the Concrete and Masonry Research Group within the School of Engineering at Kingston University, held in September 2004. The Conference deals with issues such as the regulatory framework, government policy, waste management, processing, recovery, the supply network, recycling opportunities, sustainable ways forward and the economics of sustainability.