RECYCLING OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE

References: 12th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference, www.sgem.org, SGEM2012 Conference Proceedings/ ISSN 1314-2704, June 17-23, 2012, Vol. 4, 761 - 768 pp

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with recycling of construction waste, i.e. process of collecting and
treating waste to be re-used as raw material in the creation of an identical or similar
products. The paper advocates the sustainable development that meets the needs of
present generations without compromising the rights of future generations to meet their
needs. Natural resources are general and common good and their use should be planned
and directed and purpose controlled. The rapid technological development in recent
decades has necessitated serious human addressing the issues related to management of
waste generated in various technological operations, and as a final waste in the use of
final products.
Recycling Technology of CWM (Construction Waste Material) resulting from
construction, and more frequently from demolition of various types of buildings. CWM
usually consists of: waste wood, various metals, concrete, bricks, blocks, tiles, glass,
asphalt, etc. There are also several types of devices and procedures for the recycling of
CWM. CWM recycling process includes: demolition of old or damaged structures,
development of towns and villages, various destructions, earthquakes, floods, etc.
Construction waste is the second largest waste type, immediately after the municipal
solid waste. Construction waste is divided into rubble, soil, waste from the
reconstruction of roads, and waste from the construction sites. The rubble itself can be
dangerous because it may contain asbestos, which is very harmful to human health, or
acids, paints, varnishes, thinners, means for removing rust, paint or varnish, wood
coatings, oil filters, mineral oils and others. Glass is one of the building materials that
can be fully recycled. To reduce the amount of plastic waste, which is not selfdegradable,
it must be recycled.
The first center for recycling of construction waste started operation in Kragujevac
(Serbia) where the waste will be disposed of and processed for reuse.

Keywords: recycling, construction waste, bricks, reinforced concrete, asphalt, soil,
stone