A LCA STUDY TO IDENTIFY BEST EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR RECYCLING POST-CONSUMER GYPSUM-BASED WASTE IN LOMBARDY REGION (ITALY)

Author(s): S. Pantini, G. Borghi, L. Rigamonti
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: IV International Conference Progress of Recycling in the Built Environment
Editor(s): Isabel M. Martins, Carina Ulsen, Yury Villagran
ISBN:
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-208-4
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2018
Pages: 219-225
Total Pages: 07
Language : English

Abstract: This study aimed at evaluating the environmental performances of the current management
system of gypsum waste (GW) in Lombardy region, by applying the Life Cycle Assessment
(LCA) methodology. Primary data and information related to gypsum waste flows, recovery
options and actual end-uses of recycled materials were gathered from different sources in
order to depict the whole recycling chain and to build up a dataset specific for the analysed
context. Results from the elaboration of GW flows data revealed that 20,988 tons were
generated in the region in 2014. Most of GW was sent to recovery, mixed together with other
mineral construction and demolition waste (CDW), whereas its recycling in dedicated plants
was very limited. The LCA of the current system disclosed that most impacts are related to
the recovery of gypsum waste together with the other CDW, whereas the recycling in
dedicated plants gives benefits mainly associated with the recovery of paper. Hence, some
alternative scenarios were analysed to assess how and to what extent the environmental
performance of the current system can be improved, also evaluating potential markets. The
results were used to provide recommendations for the regional government to move towards a
more resource-efficient management of gypsum-based waste.

Online publication : 2018
Publication type : full_text
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