Reconomy Framework aims to revolutionise Construction Waste Management
With the construction sector facing mounting pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, Reconomy, a leading circular economy specialist, has launched a new regulatory framework designed to overhaul the UK’s construction waste management system.
This initiative comes on the heels of Labour’s General Election victory, where the new DEFRA Secretary, Steve Reed, outlined his plan to drive the UK towards a zero waste economy.
Reconomy’s framework, developed in partnership with sustainability consultancy Sancroft, seeks to create a consistent, business-friendly regulatory landscape that prioritises sustainability and resource efficiency.
A New Regulatory Landscape for Construction Waste
Reconomy’s newly launched framework is a direct response to the urgent need for reform in the construction and demolition (C&D) waste sector. The UK’s construction industry produces a staggering amount of waste annually—materials like concrete, bricks, wood, metals, glass, and plastics generated from building, demolition, and infrastructure projects. In 2023, DEFRA reported 59.1 million tonnes of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste, with 92.6% being recovered. However, much of this material is merely recycled into low-value aggregate, missing opportunities to retain higher value through reuse or recovery.
Jamie Roberts, Reconomy’s Divisional Director for Construction, Housebuilding & Infrastructure, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “We are delighted to launch this framework to promote the circular economy and build a more sustainable future. To meet our climate objectives, protect finite resources and grow the economy, it is crucial this new government takes steps to help businesses and communities improve resource management.”
The framework proposes the establishment of national minimum standards to elevate the sustainability practices of all waste providers. It also calls for the creation of a consistent, separate waste collection system nationwide, which would streamline processes and make compliance easier for businesses. To ensure accountability, Reconomy advocates developing a baseline data system that enables continuous monitoring of waste management performance. A critical component of the framework is the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, shifting the waste management burden onto producers and encouraging eco-friendly practices from the outset.
The proposal also includes introducing eco-design standards, such as mandatory returnable packaging, to reduce waste generation at the source. To support these changes, Reconomy suggests ringfencing EPR funding to provide targeted investments and subsidies that stimulate market demand for sustainable solutions. Digitising information to enable real-time tracking of resources is another key aspect, helping businesses keep a closer eye on their waste output and resource use. Finally, the framework recommends establishing an independent governing body to oversee these changes, ensuring they are enacted effectively and consistently.
Driving Economic Growth Through Circular Principles
Reconomy’s framework not only addresses environmental concerns but also aims to unlock significant economic benefits. Integrating circular economy principles into waste management can dramatically boost the UK’s economy, with potential increases in value by £82 billion (GVA) and the creation of up to 284,000 jobs in London alone by 2030. By moving construction and demolition materials up the waste hierarchy—focusing on reuse rather than recycling into low-value products—the construction sector can retain more value and reduce its environmental impact.
Steve Reed’s roadmap to a zero waste economy puts emphasis on sustainable practices across the board. “The circular economy is not just about reducing waste; it’s about retaining value, driving innovation, and supporting sustainable growth,” he said at the recent announcement of his five key priorities.
This new regulatory framework is particularly timely as the government seeks to position the UK as a global leader in sustainability. The construction sector, a major contributor to waste and carbon emissions, has a pivotal role to play in achieving the country’s climate goals and aligning with national efforts to keep global warming below 2°C.
Reconomy’s Call to Action
Reconomy’s framework is built on extensive consultations with waste experts and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. The company’s collaboration with Sancroft brought a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the UK’s waste and resource management industries. The resulting strategy offers a clear path for businesses to follow, designed to simplify the current waste system and encourage investment in sustainable practices.
Jamie Roberts highlights the critical need for structured reforms, noting that the strategy Reconomy and Sancroft developed provides a consistent approach to tackling construction waste. By digitising information, integrating real-time tracking, and establishing a governing body to oversee these changes, the framework aims to make compliance easier and more effective across the industry. It encourages a move away from traditional waste disposal methods, such as landfill and incineration, towards practices that keep resources in circulation for longer.
The framework’s recommendations extend beyond the construction sector to encompass broader waste management practices, promoting a circular approach that benefits the environment and the economy. By integrating digital solutions to track resources in real-time and establishing eco-design standards, the framework encourages businesses to innovate and adopt sustainable practices that can be scaled across industries.
The Circular Economy
Adopting circular principles in construction isn’t just about waste reduction; it’s about rethinking how resources are used, reused, and retained within the economy. For example, implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes incentivises manufacturers to design products with end-of-life recovery in mind, shifting the focus from disposal to sustainability.
Furthermore, the framework’s emphasis on creating a consistent regulatory market helps mitigate the negative environmental impacts of waste while fostering innovation. By aligning reforms with sustainable growth strategies, Reconomy’s initiative places businesses at the heart of the transition to a circular economy. This approach promises to not only reduce emissions and minimise waste but also to drive investment, stimulate demand, and create new business opportunities within the sector.
Paving the Way for a Sustainable Construction Future
The launch of Reconomy’s regulatory framework marks a pivotal moment for the UK’s construction industry. As the government looks to implement policies that drive sustainability and economic growth, this framework provides a practical roadmap to achieving a zero waste economy. The framework’s principles and recommendations align perfectly with national and global climate objectives, underscoring the need for urgent action.
Reconomy’s investment in the circular economy is setting a new standard for the construction sector, demonstrating that sustainability and business growth are not mutually exclusive. By adopting these structured reforms, the industry can unlock new opportunities, drive economic value, and contribute significantly to the fight against climate change.
