RECYCLING OF CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE: THE DUTCH EXPERIENCE

Abstract

This report examines the recycling of construction and demolition waste in The Netherlands, and reports the results of a study tour of Dutch recycling plants. In that country, the recycling industry is subject to unusually strict controls through legislation and public attitudes. There is a move towards large, static recycling plants, with 55 now operating; 100 mobile crushers are still being used. Throughputs tend to be up to 2500t per day, using various configurations of crushers and separation techniques. The two main crusher types and configurations used are single-stage reduction and two-stage reduction; the relative merits of different crushing systems are briefly displayed. Types of separation technology used include: screening, hand-picking, magnetic belts, dry suction, air-sifting, and washing. Construction and demolition waste can arise from the demolition of roads, runways, engineering structures, or buildings. The main types of waste generated are concrete, masonry, mixed waste, and asphalt from the planing of pavements. End uses for waste include landfill and low- and high-level processing; its two main applications are for foundation courses and concrete aggregate. The report finally describes how Dutch legislation encourages and promotes recycling, and discusses possible future policy.