Clear provisions
In Switzerland, the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and the Waste Ordinance (ADWO) regulate the handling of construction waste.
The legal framework aims to protect the environment and increase resource efficiency. They specify how construction waste must be correctly separated, collected and recycled in order to minimize the impact on the environment. They also promote the reuse of materials and the use of recycling technologies in order to reduce the consumption of primary raw materials and strengthen the circular economy.
Environmental Protection Act (EPA)
The Environmental Protection Act forms the basis for environmental protection in Switzerland. It stipulates that waste must be managed in such a way that it has as little impact on the environment as possible. In the context of construction waste, this means
- Avoidance and reduction: Construction waste should be avoided or at least reduced as far as possible.
- Reuse and recycling: Where possible, materials from construction waste should be reused or recycled in order to optimize the use of resources.
- Environmentally friendly disposal: Construction waste that cannot be reused or recycled must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Waste Ordinance (ADWO)
The ADWO specifies the requirements of the EPA and contains specific provisions on the prevention and disposal of waste, including construction waste. Important points are
- Separation and sorting: Construction waste must be separated and sorted at source to facilitate reuse and recycling.
- Recycling quotas: There are fixed recycling quotas for various types of construction waste that must be adhered to. To date, no recycling quotas have been set for plastic pipes.
- Record keeping: Companies that dispose of construction waste must document proper disposal and recycling.
The FOEN's Waste Ordinance VVEA therefore stipulates that plastic construction waste that can be recycled mechanically must be separated by type as far as possible on the construction site. Construction waste from PE, PP and PVC pipes belong to this category.
Recycling in the construction industry
The implementation of these regulations requires close cooperation between construction companies, recycling companies and authorities. Municipalities often already require effective recycling concepts for implementation on the construction site.
