Recycling plants of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) in Brazil produce recycled aggregate with a high mineral variability and low usability. Their activities depend on the building industry and on guidelines to produce recycled aggregate, which are focused on replacing natural aggregate. This study identifies critical factors in the production of recycled aggregate at CDW recycling plants. That has been done through the evaluation of recycling plants in the Northeast of Brazil, according to NBR 15114 (ABNT, 2004b). The study was divided into three phases. In the first phase, the theoretical foundation of the study was established. In the second one, a number of plants were visited for interviews, photographs, and direct observation. In the final phase, data were analyzed according to the Brazilian guidelines for the production of recycled aggregate. There were evidences that the production processes in those plants were negatively influenced by the current waste management practices of the construction industry. Moreover, all plants had non-compliances with requirements of the NBR 15114. The main contribution of this paper is the identification of the critical factors and offering propositions for the production of recycled aggregate with mineral purity and improved usability.
Waste construction and demolition; CDW recycling plants; Waste management
