In Denmark old building materials must be used again

The recent work started by Guldborgsund Municipality to use the used building materials in future construction projects is echoing the recent national news in Denmark in the sector.

Indeed, last September the Danish government has published draft new regulations aimed at increasing the reuse and recycling of old building materials. Instead of ending up in containers and being sorted later, materials from demolished buildings will now be sorted during demolition. This proposal is part of the 2020 political agreement “Climate plan for a green waste sector and a circular economy”, which seeks to reduce waste volumes through enhanced recycling and reuse.

Currently, 40% of Denmark's total waste originates from the construction industry, approximately five million tonnes per year.  Waste-producing companies are currently obliged to sort construction and construction waste of more than one tonne. But the sorting often only takes place when the building has been demolished, and therefore many demolished building materials end up as residual waste or for recovery rather than being used in new buildings.

The regulations will apply to builders and companies demolishing buildings of 250 m2 or more. With the new rules and the existing technology, it is expected on average that:

• 14% of high-quality concrete can be recycled (close to 0% today), and that 12% can be recycled (close to 0% today)
• Around 60% untreated wood can be recycled (40% today), while approx. 9% can be recycled (close to 0% today)
• Approximately 27% bricks, tiles and bricks can be recycled (close to 0% today)

The bill is expected to be tabled in December 2023, and it is expected, together with the executive order rules, to enter into force on 1 July 2024.

Read more about this in Danish: https://mim.dk/nyheder/2023/sep/miljoeministeren-gamle-byggematerialer-skal-bruges-igen/