They condemn almost zero recycling of PVC in the construction industry in Spain

Most plastic recycling processes and techniques are designed for household products (single-use plastics). For this reason, PVC elements resulting from demolition and repairs such as windows, They are often thrown into containers of inert waste mixed with low-quality recycling results.. This means that hazardous or residual components of the primary material are not removed in the purification process.

This is one of the main conclusions from “CoCircular”. “Study on the recyclability of PVC and aluminum carpentry materials” published by the Spanish Aluminum Association (AEA), which represents more than 600 companies in the sector. The report was prepared by independent experts to know the true circularity of PVC and aluminum materials included in carpentry profile products.

“Currently, and especially since the entry into force of Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soils on 8 April, there is a trend that the separation of waste has been significantly improved. They still cannot provide the minimum quality conditions required by plants. This is the case with plastics, for example. The fact is that all the resulting elements of this material are combined in different quantities and qualities, and whether they are classified correctly will depend on the technological capacity of the treatment plant. And if not, they will all be thrown together into an inert landfill, due to the impossibility of achieving an economically valid classification,” explains AEA Secretary General Gonzalo de Olabarria.

The origin of the plastic problem stems from the great diversity of materials. This group is also included. There is no subdivision to group materials with similar properties according to their chemical composition.

“Given that they are incompatible with each other in many cases, each must be addressed and managed differently. But high costs The implication of doing this, and the lack of resources throughout the entire process, ultimately means that separation is only carried out on materials that are clearly profitable; in the case of metals, especially aluminium, copper, lead and iron/steel,” this entity adds.

“Unlike plastic,” De Olabarria adds, “More than 90% of aluminum used in construction materials is recycled. this metal It can be recycled infinite times without losing its properties or reducing its quality. It does not decompose in the presence of water and does not change in contact with air. “It is virtually impervious to healing processes and techniques, nor to the passage of time.”

“CoCircular. The study on the recyclability of PVC and aluminum carpentry materials also concludes: the following results:

• Until the new waste management regulations were updated and published in 2022, there were no clearly defined targets for separating the different families of materials that make up the CDW (Construction and Demolition Waste) set.

• There is a lack of a clearly managed and undertaken definition and specific regulation. Characteristics and typologies of waste produced by the industry.

• Someone is perceiving The need for clear subdivision in the classification of waste groups It is very comprehensive and complex, like the special case of plastics.

• Currently, with new regulations coming into force, There is not sufficient oversight and monitoring of compliance by public administration.

• Often managers specializing in RCD focus their healing treatments on stone materials. really? managers do not have the necessary technology for effective classification and segregation of waste beyond stone and metal materials.

• Different rates do not apply to segregated waste. This complicates the economic feasibility/profitability of in situ separation.
• Only metal waste/scrap provides economic return and encourage their separation on site by optimizing management costs.
• Lack of awareness and education to facilitate segregation and segregation of generated waste in order to both comply with legislation and reduce the environmental impact of the sector.

• The new construction typology has seen significant improvements in waste management and treatment processes.

• Demolition, rehabilitation and/or reform efforts continue to result in poor management and treatment of CDWsIt is only effective on stone waste.

• Effective separation is only achieved in already metal waste families that offer profitability and economic optimization.

The full report is at this link. Recyclability study of aluminum and PVC carpentry_Updated.pdf (asoc-aluminio.es)

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Contact address of the environmental department:krisclimatica@prensaiberica.es