Recycling or reusing? An ethnographic study of the demolition industry in Northern Italy

Abstract

In the transition towards circular cities, material separation and waste prevention in construction are listed as crucial measures. I investigate contemporary demolition practices in Lombardy, Northern Italy, through participant observation at demolition sites, focusing on the industry’s modus operandi regarding material disposal or circulation. Recycling seems to be the most established practice in the field, while reuse remains marginal, typically limited to cases required by historic conservation laws. Uncertainties arise in everyday practices of reuse when addressing issues such as cost, time, logistics, and adherence to energy or safety standards, highlighting context-specific issues and preferences in decision-making regarding sustainable practices.