Business models for the reuse of construction and demolition waste

Abstract

The construction sector is the largest contributor to waste in Europe. Approximately one-third of all waste originates from construction and demolition. In Europe, most construction and demolition waste (CDW) is recycled as backfilling and only limited amounts of construction materials are reused for their original purpose. There is a current policy push by the European Commission (EC), as well as several EU member states, focused on lifting waste up the European waste hierarchy from recycling to reuse to help preserve resources and reduce the environmental impacts of CDW, which is considered a priority waste stream. This article explores the potential and the barriers to the increased reuse of CDW and describes several business models for reuse based around the intersection between public authorities, waste companies and private companies involved in the construction and demolition sector. The article is empirically based on a study of various reuse schemes operated by waste companies, municipalities and private waste operators in Denmark. Using a mixed-methods approach, in which survey methods are combined with company visits and qualitative interviews, the article analyzes the potential and the barriers to the creation of direct reuse schemes for CDW. Based on the findings from these, four generic business models for the direct reuse and recycling of CDW are synthesized specifically targeting the CDW fractions that are waste managed at public recycling stations. Finally, the article discusses how market conditions, environmental issues and quality can influence emerging reuse schemes.