Reutilization Potential of Fine Fraction from Construction and Demolition Waste in the Circular Economy

Abstract

Fine fraction waste is a remarkable secondary material without a rational utilization objective, demonstrating a real research gap for its study. The fine fraction can constitute up to several dozen percent of the total waste volume, representing a significant amount of material, but the nature of material can be partly complex and heterogeneous, restricting its utilization. Therefore, this study investigated the availability of fine fraction waste and its physical features, such as particle size, shape, and elemental composition. The fine fraction constituted 20–40% of construction and demolition waste and 25% of mechanical treatment of the waste, with particle sizes ranging from 0–15 mm. The novelty results from the study showed that the choice of treatment method could modify the particle size distribution and aspect ratio, and that no significant concentrations of harmful substances were found. Various scenarios of fine fraction availability were created, indicating its potential as a raw material in low-population areas. Because rational solutions for the fine fraction are lacking, novel innovations are needed for societies to take steps to approach the targets for a circular economy. This study shows that new approaches have the potential to enable the use of fine fraction waste as a partial replacement for other materials, for example, the use of fine fraction as a substitute for cementitious materials that can decrease emissions remarkably.