The European Environment Agency (EEA) has identified a critical issue within the EU’s construction and demolition waste (C&DW) management. Despite boasting high recovery rates, a significant portion of this waste is subjected to low-grade recovery operations like backfilling. To tackle this challenge and enhance the quality of recycling and reuse, the EEA is championing the adoption of circular economy practices across the construction sector.

In April 2024, the European Parliament adopted Directive (EU) 2024/1203, widely referred to as the Environmental Crime Directive. Effective as of May 20, 2024, this groundbreaking legislation significantly bolsters the European Union's approach to environmental protection through criminal law. By expanding the list of offenses, introducing harsher penalties, and emphasizing accountability at all organizational levels, the directive underscores the importance of sustainable practices across industries—with the construction sector being no exception.

The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 places significant responsibilities on local authorities when they manage infrastructure or construction projects. Just like private developers, local authorities are classified as the waste producers for any project they oversee, meaning they bear full legal responsibility for managing waste in compliance with strict environmental regulations.

The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 introduces specific responsibilities for waste management, particularly targeting those involved in construction and demolition industries. It places the obligation directly on waste producers, including both main contractors and subcontractors, to ensure that all construction and demolition waste is managed in line with strict regulations regarding recycling, reuse, and disposal.