Demolition and recycling - Demolition of buildings

Main environmental criteria for re-use

The technical criteria for re-using ceramic demolition waste are few. In most cases, demolition waste is mixed-up with other material, but needs to be free of contaminating elements such as heavy metals and PAH's. Re-using demolition waste in infrastructure projects is not normally a problem, unless it ends up in landfill.

The European Commission is working on rules to prevent the contamination of soil, groundwater or surface water caused by landfill material. But as ceramic building materials are made of natural clay, they do not pose a danger to the environment.

wine cellar made of recycled bricks

»The Clay Life Cycle
»	Demolition and Recycling
	» A longer life for buildings
	» Demolition of buildings
	· Volume of masonry waste material
	· Main environmental criteria for re-use
	» European policy
	» Options for recycled brick material