Opportunities for Technology-Enabled Construction and Demolition Materials Reduction and Recovery
Citation:
Weitz, K. AND T. Tolaymat. Opportunities for Technology-Enabled Construction and Demolition Materials Reduction and Recovery. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-22/106, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
This report provides findings from the literature, internet and US Patent database searches for new and emerging C&D materials reduction and recovery technologies. Technologies identified cataloged, characterized and evaluated for technical readiness. A potential framework for estimating the potential impact of new and emerging technologies on C&D materials reduction and recovery is outlined. Discussion of important factors to consider when evaluating the viability of new and emerging technologies is provided and includes consideration of economic conditions, environmental considerations, facility/technology siting, ease of technology transfer, and relevant Federal, state, and local policies and requirements.
Description:
Historically, materials management in the United States has been handled through a variety of options that include disposal, recycling, or some form of treatment. Given the increased need to institute waste management practices that are sustainable and acknowledge critical environmental, social, and economic considerations, an examination of emerging construction and demolition (C&D) debris management technologies s is warranted to facilitate decision-making. C&D debris generated represents more than twice the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated. Policies, programs, and technological solutions to increase C&D materials recovery and minimize materials disposal are a priority to reach EPA’s 2022 Sustainable Materials Management strategic plan goals. Solutions to the challenge of increasing C&D materials recovery therefore largely lie within new and emerging technologies for enhancing the reduction and recovery of mixed C&D materials to supplement existing activities. New and emerging technologies are defined in this report as those that are in research and development or less established commercially. This report provides findings from the literature, internet and US Patent database searches for new and emerging C&D materials reduction and recovery technologies. Technologies identified cataloged, characterized and evaluated for technical readiness. A potential framework for estimating the potential impact of new and emerging technologies on C&D materials reduction and recovery is outlined. Discussion of important factors to consider when evaluating the viability of new and emerging technologies is provided and includes consideration of economic conditions, environmental considerations, facility/technology siting, ease of technology transfer, and relevant Federal, state, and local policies and requirements.