It is possible to economically upcyle recycled aggregates

Abstract

The waste management is a pregnant problematic in the European continent and in France too. The new paradigm called circular economy aims to be driver for the waste valorization. This objective is particularly applied in the civil engineering, the first generator of CDW (Construction and Demolition Waste) in France. In this context, except the eco-construction, the recycling or reusing is currently necessary for the CDW valorization. But, the economic criteria such sell price or manufacturing cost are brakes to facilitate the waste valorization. In addition, using the waste is confronted to standards and NIMBY (Not In My BackYard). To lift these brakes, the waste upcycling allows producing high quality materials from CDW. This choice seems to be a relevant orientation in terms of economic and technology. For further details, the recycling plant can produce high quality materials with a sell price more competitive than the high quality raw materials. This economic advantage can guarantee the investment necessary to set up this kind of plant. For example, the Esterel group has chosen this orientation since several years. The obtained results of the materials valorization are compared to the results from a study realized by the French energy agency. Finally, this comparison allows concluding about the relevancy of the CDW upcycling, which can be economically sustainable.