Today's society faces a growing population, technological and economic growth leading to a proportional consumption of resources and, consequently, tremendous generation of waste. Quality management in Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) can help to preserve natural resources and prevent environmental pollution.
There is growing global concern about the environment. Social awareness and legal obligations encourage recycling work in most developed countries. However, there is still much work to do. Waste and waste management are major environmental challenges for modern societies. The difficulties stem not only from the increasing volume of waste, but its treatment as well.
The legal framework on environmental issues varies considerably from one country to the next (even within the same country there are regional differences), which makes harmonizing the criteria complicated.
Legislation to increase waste recycling
Despite the challenges in harmonizing legal structures, one thing industrialized countries have in common is that they often have a political structure and policy development on recycling. For example, the tightening of legislation in areas such as Western Europe and the U.S. is leading to greater reuse of waste materials such as recycled aggregates.
Directive 2008/98/EC sets minimizing the negative effects of waste generation and management on health and the environment as the first objective of any waste policy. Developing on this directi the Sixth Environment Action Programme of the European Community, entitled "Environment 2010: Our future, our choice," establishes means of collaboration with businesses and consumers to achieve more environmentally friendly ways of productio and consumption.(stone crusher introduction)
According to the European Environment Agency, the total waste of the EU consists of five main streams: industrial waste (26%), waste from mining and quarrying (29%), construction and demolition waste (22%), municipal solid waste (14%) and agricultural residues and forestry (9%). In 1990, the European Commission declared CDW as a “priority waste stream” because of the vast quantity generated and its high potential for recycling.
Why recycling is so important
If CDW is not properly treated, it harms the environment and may pose a risk to human health; it is a source of contamination for water and air and causes a host of inconveniences for citizens. The improper disposal of waste increases the risk of forest fires, emits polluting gases and odors, and causes soil and landscape degradation and groundwater and surface water pollution.
Sustainable management of CDW preserves natural areas, as it contributes to a reduced need for mineral resources and creates new jobs associated with the introduction of innovative economic activities. On-site waste recycling also saves production expenses, transport costs and taxes in construction.(mining and oil)
As a consequence of the economic situation in some countries, CDW recycling has decreased due to the possibility of depositing waste in low-cost landfills, without prior treatment and often in non-compliance with regulations. Ensuring that the environment does not suffer the consequences of CDW mismanagement requires strong commitment from the authorities, industries and consumers.
Quality recycled aggregates as the end product
Proper processing of demolition debris results in quality recycled aggregates. They are suitable for various applications in the construction sector according to material size: drainage, filling and pavement subbases, among others. (crusher machine)
A prior recovery process is essential in order to produce high-quality recycled aggregates. Inert waste must be properly separated from non-inert or even dangerous waste to avoid impurities and to ensure a high-quality end product.
The production plants for recycled aggregates are fairly similar to natural aggregates crushing plants. They also include crushers, screens, conveyors and equipment for removing pollutants and magnets to separate steel, among other things. Metso, a leading company in the sector, offers state-of-the-art technology in both stationary installations and mobile crushing and screening plants for recycling.
Although waste generally evokes negative images (landfills, waste, toxic waste, etc.), it is, in fact, a business opportunity with great potential for development. Aggregates have always been one of the most important materials for the development of society. After water, it represents the most consumed resource by humans.
Proper CDW management can reconcile progress with respect for the environment so that the concept of “waste” gives way to the concept of "resource".