Bauschutt

Bauschutt is a term used in German-speaking regions for construction and demolition debris that remains after the removal, demolition, or renovation of buildings and infrastructure. It is primarily composed of mineral materials such as concrete, bricks, tiles, ceramics, and stone, but can also contain wood, metals, plastics, glass, gypsum, and soil. Clean, uncontaminated mineral Bauschutt is typically separated from other waste streams and from hazardous fractions to enable recycling and reuse.

Collection and processing typically take place at construction sites, transfer stations, or recycling yards. The debris is sorted into fractions (for example concrete and bricks, metals, wood, and inert soil). The mineral fraction is crushed and processed into recycled aggregates that can be used as sub-base or backfill in road construction and civil works, or as substitute materials in cement production. Metals may be recovered and sold, wood can be reused or used for energy recovery, and gypsum boards can be recycled into plaster. Contaminants and hazardous materials, such as asbestos-containing components, require special handling and disposal.

Regulatory frameworks govern the handling of Bauschutt, including waste classification, separation, and recycling targets. In many countries, construction and demolition waste is subject to environmental and waste management laws aimed at reducing landfill use and promoting resource recovery. Safety precautions are important to manage dust, noise, and potential contamination during collection, sorting, and processing.