Construction and demolition (C&D) waste accounts for about 30% of all waste generated in Europe and is one of the waste streams with the greatest potential for recovery: more than 70% of the material generated at a demolition site can be recycled or reused, provided it is managed properly from the source.
Yet many companies in the sector still do not have a clear understanding of the applicable regulations, the EWC codes to use for classification, or the equipment that makes the recycling process economically viable. This article addresses all three of these issues.
Legal note. The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. To ensure the proper application of the regulations to your specific case, it is always advisable to consult a qualified professional (environmental engineer, HSE consultant, RSPP).
What Is Construction and Demolition Waste?
C&D waste refers to all materials generated during the construction, renovation, demolition, and maintenance of buildings, infrastructure, and civil engineering projects. The European Waste Catalogue (EWC) classifies them under Chapter 17, which is subdivided by material type: concrete, bricks, wood, glass, plastic, metals, insulation materials, and hazardous waste.
The distinguishing feature of construction and demolition (C&D) waste compared to other industrial waste streams is its heterogeneity: a single construction site simultaneously produces inert materials (concrete, bricks), recoverable materials (metals, wood), materials requiring careful handling (glass, plastics), and, often, hazardous waste (asbestos, lead, PCBs). Effective management requires separating these streams right on the construction site. For more information on separation requirements, please refer to the article on selective demolition and current regulations.
The Regulatory Framework
Construction and demolition (C&D) waste management in Italy is governed by a multilevel regulatory framework that includes European, national, and, in some cases, regional provisions.
Legislative Decree No. 152/2006 — Consolidated Environmental Act, Part IV. Framework legislation on waste management in Italy. It establishes the waste hierarchy (prevention → reuse → recycling → recovery → disposal), the requirements for classification using EWC codes, the procedures for temporary storage, and the requirements for transport and disposal. For construction and demolition (C&D) waste, it requires the separation of waste streams and prioritizes recovery over disposal in landfills.
Directive 2008/98/EC — EU Waste Framework Directive. It sets a target of 70% by weight for the recovery of construction and demolition (C&D) waste by 2020. It introduces the “End of Waste” principle: waste ceases to be waste when it undergoes a recovery operation and meets specific quality and use criteria. Implemented in Italy by Legislative Decree 152/06 and Ministerial Decree 69/2018.
Ministerial Decree 69/2018 — End-of-Waste Status for Construction and Demolition Aggregates. It sets forth the conditions under which inert construction and demolition (C&D) waste ceases to be waste and becomes marketable recycled aggregate. It establishes the technical requirements (processing, leaching tests, particle size), classes of use (subbase, embankments, non-structural concrete), and documentation requirements for operators. This standard makes on-site recycling economically viable.
The main EWC codes for C&D waste
All waste generated at a construction site must be classified with the correct EWC code before being managed, transported, or sent for recovery. Incorrect classification or failure to classify waste constitutes a violation of Legislative Decree 152/06 and is subject to administrative penalties.
| EWC Code | Description | Preferential treatment |
|---|---|---|
| 17 01 01 | Cement | Recovery as recycled aggregate (EoW DM 69/2018) |
| 17 01 02 | Bricks | Recovery as recycled aggregate or direct reuse |
| 17 01 03 | Tiles and Ceramics | Recovery of aggregates; disposal if not recoverable |
| 17 01 07 | Concrete, bricks, and tile mixtures | Recycled as mixed aggregate — lower quality |
| 17 02 01 | Wood | Energy recovery or recycling if not treated |
| 17 02 02 | Glass | Recycling at glass factories or the production of rock wool |
| 17 02 03 | Plastic | Material recycling or specialized disposal |
| 17 04 05 | Iron and Steel | Scrapping — high market value |
| 17 04 11 | Electrical Cables | Recovery of Copper and Other Metals — Authorized Operators |
| 17 09 04 | Non-hazardous mixed construction and demolition waste | Landfill disposal of inert materials — to be avoided |
Table 1 — Main EWC codes for construction and demolition waste intended primarily for recovery. Codes marked with an asterisk (*) indicate hazardous waste: they require mandatory separate management and must be handled exclusively by operators registered in the National Register of Environmental Managers.
Equipment for recycling construction and demolition (C&D) waste
Turning construction and demolition (C&D) waste from a problem into a resource requires equipment that allows materials to be separated, reduced, and sorted directly on-site. The excavator technologies available today make this process efficient and competitive compared to simply sending the waste to a landfill.
| Equipment | Main Application | Product Output |
|---|---|---|
| Jaw crusher | Volumetric shrinkage of concrete, bricks, and asphalt | Recycled aggregate, 0–80 mm, for subbases and embankments |
| Screening bucket | Size Classification of Crushed Aggregate | Consistent particle size distributions for various applications |
| Hydraulic Shear | Cutting and Reducing Metal Structures | Ferrous scrap ready for scrapping |
| Sorting pliers | Sorting by material type on the pile | Waste sorting by specific recycling streams |
| Magnetic separator | Extraction of ferrous metals from crushed aggregate | Clean scrap + aggregate free of metallic contaminants |
| Demolition Grapple | Separation of Concrete from Steel Reinforcement | Concrete blocks + rebar, already separated at the source |
Table 2 — Main attachments for excavators used in construction and demolition (C&D) waste management.
The Complete Recycling Cycle on a Construction Site
A properly equipped construction site can manage the entire aggregate recycling cycle without leaving the operational perimeter: the demolition grapple separates the concrete from the rebar, the crusher reduces the raw aggregate, the magnetic separator extracts ferrous residues, and the screening bucket classifies the material by size. The result is recycled aggregate ready for reuse on-site or for sale as a secondary raw material in accordance with Ministerial Decree 69/2018.
Estimated savings compared to landfill disposal:
- Elimination or significant reduction in transportation costs (€15–€40/t less, depending on the distance)
- Reduction in landfill disposal costs (€10–€30/t)
- Utilization of recycled aggregate as a subbase or aggregate (€5–€15/t market value)
- Reduction in the construction site’s environmental impact (fewer trips, less CO₂)
- Simplified regulatory compliance: fewer classified waste streams mean less paperwork
CMB Solutions for Construction and Demolition Waste Management
CMB Attachments offers a complete range of excavator attachments designed for the management and recycling of construction and demolition waste: crushers, Sorting Grabs, shears, demolition grapples, and specialized accessories for waste stream separation. All attachments are constructed from highly wear-resistant materials and are 100% tested before delivery.
Thanks to the flexibility of the quick-attach systems, the same excavator can be equipped with different attachments during the course of a single workday, covering all stages of the recycling cycle without the need for additional machines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction and Demolition Waste and Its Recycling
Do I need to keep a record of the receipt and disposal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste generated at the construction site?
Yes, producers of non-hazardous special waste with more than 10 employees are required to maintain a record of waste receipts and disposals in accordance with Article 190 of Legislative Decree 152/06. For smaller companies or specific hazardous waste streams, the rules vary: it is always advisable to check with your environmental consultant or RSPP.
Can I reuse crushed concrete directly on the construction site without any treatment?
The direct reuse of crushed concrete on-site without treatment is permitted only in very limited cases and with specific documentation certifying that the material is non-hazardous. In all other cases, to qualify as “end-of-waste,” the requirements of Ministerial Decree 69/2018 (End of Waste) must be met: appropriate treatment, leaching tests, compliance with quality criteria, and authorized intended use.
Who is authorized to transport C&D waste off the construction site?
The transport of special waste (including construction and demolition waste) may only be carried out by entities registered in the National Register of Environmental Operators in the appropriate category. The waste generator (the demolition company) is responsible for the correct classification of the waste and for selecting an authorized transporter. Transportation using incorrect EWC codes or without registration in the Registry is subject to criminal penalties.
How do you calculate the actual savings from on-site recycling compared to landfilling?
The calculation takes three factors into account: the avoided landfill disposal cost (€/t × metric tons produced), the avoided transportation cost (€/km × distance to landfill × number of trips), and the value of the recycled aggregate produced (€/t × metric tons of aggregate compliant with Ministerial Decree 69/2018). The cost of equipment depreciation or rental must be subtracted from this total. On many construction sites, the break-even point is reached as early as 200–300 metric tons of processed material.
Do you want to equip your construction site for construction and demolition (C&D) waste recycling? CMB offers complete solutions, from demolition grapples to crushers, and from Sorting Grabs to screening buckets. Request a personalized technical consultation or explore CMB’s recycling product line.