A FULL-COST ACCOUNTING MODEL FOR CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CHINA AND EUROPE

This paper aims to compare the cost-effectiveness of recycling and landfilling scenarios both in China and Europe. A Full-Cost Accounting method has been implemented to evaluate the total costs to be sustained during CDW disposal. The analysis highlighted some differences between the two geographic areas. CDW recycling sector appears to be encouraged in Europe also through a properly designed framework of directives and taxation system. On the other hand, the FCA pointed out that Chinese CDW recycling sector has room for improvement. Based on these results, suggestions to boost the CDW management and Urban Mining in China have been proposed. The most significant challenges identified include the redesigning of fees and subsides system, the improvement of the supervision on CDW management activities, the improvement of the existing recycling plant network, the development of a national CDW management strategy for Circular Economy. For each one of these, some possible improvements have been listed and all of them require a strong participation of the Chinese government.