Construction and demolition waste (CDW) accounts for around 30% of the waste generated in the European Union, making it the heaviest and most voluminous waste stream. In Malta, that figure is much higher, with CDW accounting to roughly 80% of the total waste arising each year. Such waste is derived from activities related to the construction and demolition of buildings, road planning and maintenance as well as civil infrastructure.
(Source: Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy for Malta 2020-2025)
The European Waste Catalogue provides a list of waste streams that are classified as construction and demolition waste, including concrete, gypsum, metals, glass, and asbestos, amongst others. The European Union has identified CDW as a priority waste stream, with a high potential for recycling and recovery. As a result, the Waste Framework Directive has laid down a minimum recovery target for CDW, whereby Member States shall take the necessary measures to ensure that by 2020 a minimum of 70% (by weight) of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste, classified under chapter 17 of the European Waste Catalogue, shall be prepared for re-use, recycled or undergo other material recovery. Since 2013, Malta has attained the stipulated recovery target, mainly through the backfilling of excavation voids with inert CDW.
(Source: Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy for Malta 2020-2025)
Kindly access the following link for further information on Construction and Demolition Waste.
Documents related to the Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy for Malta:
- Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy for Malta, 2021-2030 – Managing Construction & Demolition Resources – Approved Policy
- Consultation Brief on the Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy for Malta, 2020-2025
- Public Consultation Document: Construction and Demolition Waste Strategy for Malta, 2020-2025 – Managing Construction & Demolition Resources
