Mr. Kadis: 'The goal is to recycle 70% of construction and demolition waste'

Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis stated in his address at the "Workshop for the presentation of an innovative robotic method of separating waste from construction and demolition" that the goal is for at least 70% of the waste generated from construction and demolition to be recycled.

The workshop was held as part of the research project "DEFEAT - Development of an innovative insulating fireproof building facade from Construction and Demolition Waste," according to the press release.

It should also be noted that the DEFEAT Project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Republic of Cyprus, via the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation's RESTART 2016-2020 Programme.

According to the announcement, the project, which is being implemented by Frederick University in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, the Federation of Cyprus Building Contractors' Associations, and several other private entities, aims to develop a composite material from construction and demolition waste.

He stated that this material would be fire resistant, with low thermal conductivity and appropriate mechanical and refractory properties, and that it could be used in the façade of existing or new buildings, with obvious benefits in terms of both fire safety and energy efficiency.

The Minister also stated that an innovative robotic method for separating waste from construction and demolition has been developed through a detailed experimental study and on a pilot scale as part of the Programme. "Today, we will have the opportunity to learn about the methodological approach used for the design and implementation of this method, as well as how it works," he explained.

He stated that construction and demolition waste accounts for roughly one-third of the total waste generated annually by economic activities and households in the European Union. As a result, he continued, the European Commission has made it a priority to promote circular waste management in EU member states.

Kadis also stated that Cyprus has adopted the European Union's ambitious targets for increasing source separation, recycling, and reuse of recycled materials. The goal, particularly for construction and demolition waste, is to recycle at least 70% of the waste generated.

The Minister stated that the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, through the Department of Environment, has proceeded with the preparation of the Waste Regulations 2023, which are expected to be approved by the House of Representatives soon, as part of the prevention, reduction, and proper management of waste from construction and demolition, as well as limiting the uncontrolled dumping of waste in fields, streams, or landfills.

Simultaneously, Mr. Kadis noted that our Ministry is encouraging the private sector to establish Construction and Demolition Waste Management facilities, which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of facilities, from two in 2016 to 11 today.

"The establishment of a Technical Committee to promote the use of recyclable materials resulting from the treatment of waste from excavation, construction, and demolition is also considered important, with the goal of making these materials more efficient and effective," he said.

At this point, he added, the 2nd Progress Report on the Committee's Action Plan implementation has been prepared. The Action Plan encourages the revision of technical specifications for government projects, among other things, to include provisions for the use of recycled materials, which will be a significant advancement.

"The constructive collaboration of the academic community, the private sector, and government departments will ensure the successful implementation of these actions for the benefit of society and our country's natural environment," Mr. Kadis concluded.