Government policies to increase reclamation and reuse of reclaimed building material
This month on X Thornton Kay was joined by Brad Guy and Brian Murphy in a discussion about policies which might increase the amount of building material reclaimed and reused. The discussion which lasted over 2 hours was then edited to around 40 minutes before being uoploaded here.
Some useful links about encouraging (a few do not) reclamation stockholding and the reuse of reclaimed building material in EU, USA and UK.
Europe
- https://www.eco-platform.org/eco-portal-access-point-to-digital-product-data.html
- Jane Andersen https://www.eco-platform.org/epd-facts-figures.html
- https://www.eco-platform.org/files/download/statements/ECO_2023.12.06_Letter_ECO%20Platform%20Indicators.pdf
- https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/green-public-procurement-eu.pdf public authorities
European Union
How does EU encourage public salvage, procurement, and reuse of reclaimed building material?
Mainly circular economy. Here are the main strategies and measures:
Green Public Procurement (GPP) and Circular Economy Action Plan
- Green Public Procurement (GPP): The EU promotes GPP as a tool to drive the market for sustainable products and services, including reclaimed building materials. GPP criteria are designed to encourage the use of recycled and reclaimed materials in public construction projects.
- Circular Economy Action Plan: This plan includes measures to enhance the circularity of the construction sector by promoting the reuse and recycling of building materials. It aims to integrate circular economy principles into public procurement processes.
- Waste Framework Directive: This directive prioritises the management of construction and demolition waste, setting targets for recycling and reuse. It encourages Member States to implement measures that promote the use of reclaimed materials in construction projects.
- Public Procurement Directives: These directives provide a legal framework for public procurement in the EU, allowing contracting authorities to include environmental criteria in their procurement processes. This can include requirements for the use of reclaimed building materials.
- National Action Plans (NAPs) - EU Member States have developed NAPs that incorporate circular economy principles. These plans often include specific targets and measures to promote the use of reclaimed materials in public construction projects.
- Funding and Incentives - Programs such as Horizon Europe and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) provide funding for projects that promote the circular economy, including the reuse of building materials.
- Incentives for Reuse and Recycling - The EU incentives include tax incentives, grants, and subsidies for projects that use reclaimed materials.
- Technical Standards and Guidelines - Technical Standards for Recycled(?) Materials - The EU is working on developing and harmonising technical standards for recycled and reclaimed materials to ensure their quality and safety. This helps to build trust and acceptance among public procurement authorities.
- Guidelines and Toolkits - The EU provides guidelines and toolkits to help public authorities implement circular procurement practices. These resources offer practical advice on how to include reclaimed materials in procurement specifications.
- Monitoring and Reporting - Circular Economy Monitoring Framework - The EU has established a monitoring framework to track progress towards a circular economy. This includes indicators related to the use of reclaimed materials in construction projects.
- Reporting Requirements: Public authorities may be required to report on their use of reclaimed materials in construction projects, helping to ensure compliance with circular economy goals.
- Examples of Implementation - Helsinki Dock Regeneration Project: This project involved recycling demolition materials into new build projects, demonstrating the practical application of circular economy principles in public procurement.
- Dutch Green and EU LIFE REBus Pilot Projects - These projects in Holland shown public procurement can drive demand for circular solutions including reuse use of reclaimed materials.
The EU encourages the reuse of reclaimed building materials in public procurement through a combination of legislative measures, funding programs, technical standards, and practical guidelines. By integrating circular economy principles into public procurement processes, the EU aims to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote sustainable construction practices.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2017/602065/IPOL_STU%282017%29602065_EN.pdf
https://worldgbc.org/article/eu-roadmap-series-part-3/
https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/newsroom/news/markets-commonly-recycled-materials-struggle
https://build-up.ec.europa.eu/en/resources-and-tools/articles/circular-construction-and-materials-sustainable-building-sector
https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/many-eu-member-states
https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/circular-economy-action-plan_en
https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/2024-04/Reuse%20Toolkit%20-%20Procurement%20Strategies.pdf
https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/project-result-content/72b93579-f3e8-4450-9b82-20d721efb3e8/CaseStudies_Final__1_.pdf
United Kingdom
Mentioned by Thornton and Brian in the podcast - demolition and landfill tax
Estimated landfill taxes collected 2024 for different construction wastes in the UK:
Inert Construction Waste Landfill Tax - estimate £185.69 million
Putrescible (Non-inert) Construction Waste Landfill Tax - estimate £205.95 million
Figures based on the following assumptions and data:
- Total construction waste generated: 66.2 million tonnes
- Inert waste comprises approximately 85% of construction waste
- Putrescible waste comprises approximately 15% of construction waste
- Landfill tax rates for 2024: £103.70 per tonne for standard rate (putrescible waste) and £3.30 per tonne for lower rate (inert waste)
- Assumption that 20% of putrescible waste ends up in landfill due to waste management practices, recycling, and recovery processes
It's important to note that these are estimates and the actual figures may vary based on factors such as changes in waste management practices, recycling rates, and the accuracy of waste classification. The high proportion of tax from putrescible waste, despite its lower volume, reflects the significantly higher tax rate applied to this type of waste to discourage its disposal in landfills.
Links
FCRBE Reuse toolkit: Procurement strategies [https://futureuse.co.uk/resources/reuse-toolkit-procurement-strategies/]/
https://www.wastemanaged.co.uk/our-news/construction/construction-waste-guide/ [https://www.wastemanaged.co.uk/our-news/construction/construction-waste-guide/]
https://www.biffa.co.uk/biffa-insights/construction-waste-recycling [https://www.wastemanaged.co.uk/our-news/construction/construction-waste-guide/]
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/landfill-tax-rates-for-2024-to-2025/increases-to-landfill-tax-rates-from-1-april-2024 [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/landfill-tax-rates-for-2024-to-2025/increases-to-landfill-tax-rates-from-1-april-2024]
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-waste-data/uk-statistics-on-waste
https://abavus.co.uk/blog/changes-in-construction-waste-management/
https://mineralproducts.org/News/2024/release09.aspx [https://mineralproducts.org/News/2024/release09.aspx]
Landfill tax for Hazardous construction waste in the UK - Key Data Points
1. Total UK Waste in 2018: 222.2 million tonnes
2. Percentage of Waste from Construction, Demolition, and Excavation (CDE): 62%
3. Estimated CDE Waste: 137.76 million tonnes
4. Percentage of Hazardous CDE Waste: 5% (conservative estimate)
5. Estimated Hazardous CDE Waste: 6.89 million tonnes
6. Landfill Tax Rate for Hazardous Waste (2024): £103.70 per tonne
- Calculation of Landfill Tax for Hazardous CDE Waste
The estimated landfill tax collected for hazardous construction, demolition, and excavation (CDE) waste in the UK is approximately £714.31 million annually, based on the conservative estimate that 5% of CDE waste is hazardous and the landfill tax rate of £103.70 per tonne for Hazardous waste.
Additional Considerations
- Separate Statistics: Hazardous waste statistics are often collected separately due to their specific handling and disposal requirements. The Hazardous Waste Regulations (2005) mandate that Hazardous waste must be collected and disposed of separately to minimise environmental and health risks.
- Tax Bands: Hazardous waste is subject to the standard landfill tax rate, which is significantly higher than the lower rate applied to inert waste. This higher rate reflects the greater environmental impact and disposal challenges associated with Hazardous materials.
These calculations provide a rough estimate based on available data and assumptions. For precise figures, it would be necessary to consult detailed reports from environmental agencies or government bodies that track waste management and landfill tax revenues.
Links
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rates-and-allowances-landfill-tax/landfill-tax-rates-from-1-april-2013
https://sunskips.co.uk/news/landfill-tax-uk/
https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/~/media/shared/documen
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