Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) is the largest waste stream in the EU, accounting for over a third of all waste generated. As such, it plays a pivotal role in achieving the EU’s circularity and decarbonisation objectives, and particularly the goal of doubling the circular material use rate by 2030, as outlined in the Clean Industrial Deal.

The circular potential of CDW remains largely untapped due to several structural barriers, including low market acceptance of recycled materials, continued and unfair competition from virgin materials and landfilling, the heterogeneous composition of material, insufficient traceability, and the level of contamination of waste streams suitable for recycling. Performance also varies significantly across the EU, with CDW recycling rates ranging from 10% to over 90% depending on the Member State. In some regions, illegal disposal and the landfilling of untreated CDW are still being observed.

At the same time, EU policies and legislative initiatives are more focused than ever on making the construction sector more sustainable, reducing supply chain dependencies on third countries, and promoting the reuse and recycling of raw materials. With regard to CDW, these priorities are reflected in several programmes and initiatives, including the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and the European Strategy for Housing Construction.

The signatories of this paper believe that upcoming legislative initiatives should incorporate concrete solutions that unlock the full circular potential of CDW across the EU. In particular, the forthcoming Circular Economy Act (CEA) should introduce practical and proven measures that support CDW circularity in close alignment with the Public Procurement Act and the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA).

Experience from several Member States demonstrates that high-quality CDW recycling is both technically feasible and economically viable. This is particularly true for inert CDW, which accounts for approximately 85% of all CDW generated in the EU. When processed, inert CDW produces a range of recycled aggregates that comply with European product standards and are suitable for a wide variety of construction applications.

The experience and expertise developed in some Member States provide valuable guidance for identifying what is needed to develop effective circular management of CDW in other Member States. Building on more than 30 years of industry knowledge and expertise in CDW recycling, this paper sets out practical recommendations from European associations representing the CDW waste management and recycling sector to help replicate these successes across the Union while respecting national market specificities.