Background data collection for future EU end-of-waste criteria of construction and demolition waste
Updated on 29.07.2025
This study assessed the prioritisation for the introduction of possible future European EoW criteria for a list of ten pre-selected construction and demolition waste and by-product (CDW) streams. There was a general positive acceptance and willingness among stakeholders to introduce EU-wide EoW criteria. The results showed the highest potential for possible future EU-wide EoW criteria for the waste and by-product streams of aggregates, concrete, fired clay bricks and gypsum, followed by average potential for asphalt, inert insulation, plastic foam insulation, rigid plastics and wood, and a clear outlier for the stream of building products for reuse. It is advisable to address the highest scoring waste streams first in order to achieve a higher impact.
Relevance for Circular Systemic Solutions
This study focuses on the construction and demolition waste (CDW) sector, addressing ten specific streams: aggregates, concrete, fired clay bricks, gypsum, asphalt, inert insulation, plastic foam insulation, rigid plastics, wood, and building products for reuse.
These streams are central to urban development and infrastructure renewal projects across European regions and cities. The practical value of this resource lies in its comprehensive methodology and stakeholder-informed assessment, which supports evidence-based policy planning for waste stream prioritization.
For local and regional governments, the findings offer a robust decision-support tool to identify which waste streams are best suited for introducing End-of-Waste (EoW) criteria, enabling simplification of administrative burdens, improved reuse/recycling rates, and stronger secondary materials markets.
The study’s insights help align waste management practices with circular economy goals by identifying CDW streams where EU-wide EoW criteria would most likely result in market growth, environmental benefits, and higher material recovery.
built environment, CEAP2 key product value chain
including bio-based economy
e.g. chemicals, cosmetics, bio-based industries
e.g. re-use of public spaces and facilities in urban areas
e.g. electrical engineering, furniture and interior, textile and fashion
large 500 000-200 000, medium 200 000-50 000, and small cities 50 000-5 000
large metropolitan area >1.5 million, metropolitan area 1.5 million-500 000
predominantly urban regions, intermediate and predominantly rural regions, refer to TERCET typology NUTS 3 region
e.g. commercial, residential, service, industrial
