What is Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste?

C&D waste is defined as any kind of waste produced during the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings and infrastructure. This includes a wide variety of materials such as:

• Soil and stones
• Concrete, brick, tile and gypsum
• Mixed C&D waste
• Metal waste
• Bituminous mixtures
• Segregated wood, glass and plastic
• Dredging spoil
• C&D waste treatment residues

Some of these materials may be hazardous and require special handling.

Please see Environmental Protection Agency document on Waste Classification which includes the List of Wastes (formerly European Waste Catalogue EWC) other List of Waste guidance documents.

Why are my responsibilities if I'm managing a C&D project?

All homeowners, builders, and developers undertaking C&D projects must safely manage, segregate, recover, and/or dispose of waste.

To achieve Ireland’s EU targets and the objectives of the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy 2024-2030, every project must:

• Prepare and implement a Resource & Waste Management Plan in accordance with EPA's Best Practice Guidelines for the Preparation of Resources & Waste Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Projects.
• Only use authorised waste collectors (as authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office).
• Ensure waste goes to authorised facilities
• Consider use of European Union (Waste Directive) Regulations 2011 – By-Products (Regulation 27) and End of Waste (Regulation 28).

Further Information

The EPA published best practice guidelines for the Preparation of Resource & Management Plans for Construction and Demolition Projects in 2021.