Optimising the Circular Economy for Construction and Demolition Waste Management in Europe: Best Practices, Innovations and Regulatory Avenues

Rachida Idir, Assia Djerbi and Nacef Tazi ()
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Rachida Idir: Cerema, Université Gustave Eiffel, UMR MCD, 77171 Sourdun, France
Assia Djerbi: Cerema, Université Gustave Eiffel, UMR MCD, 5 Boulevard Descartes Champs-Sur-Marne, 77454 Marne-La-Vallée, Cedex, France
Nacef Tazi: Cerema, Université Gustave Eiffel, UMR MCD, 77171 Sourdun, France

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: This article explores the sustainable management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) as part of a circular economy in Europe. It provides an overview of current European practices, identifies the main challenges associated with collecting, sorting and recycling waste, and highlights the need to design buildings and construction that encourage the reuse of materials. The study also draws on best practice from internationally recognised examples such as Japan, Singapore, California, the Netherlands and China, which highlights the effectiveness of a combination of strict regulations, economic incentives and advanced recycling technologies. These international cases provide valuable lessons that can be adapted to the European context to improve the situation and fill gaps in policy, innovation and education. This article recommends targeted measures to strengthen circular practices, such as harmonising European standards, promoting eco-design principles in public procurement, investing in research and development (R&D) and establishing green administrative practices. By adopting these strategies, Europe can significantly improve the management of CDW, fostering a more resilient, sustainable and integrated circular economy.

Keywords: circular economy; construction and demolition waste (CDW); sustainable waste management; recycling building materials; environmental regulation; waste recovery; waste management policy; sorting and recycling technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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