Construction and demolition waste represents, in absolute terms, the most significant flow of special waste produced both at the European and national levels. The construction sector, through its intensive use of natural resources, has a strong impact on the environment, leading to the depletion of raw materials due to the extraction of natural aggregates.

For this reason, the European Commission has prioritized the monitoring of construction and demolition waste flows, setting a specific target for reuse preparation, recycling, and other material recovery operations, including backfilling, under Article 11 of Directive 2008/98/EC on waste.

In 2022, the recovery and recycling rate for construction and demolition waste stood at 79.8%, exceeding the 70% target set for 2020 by Directive 2008/98/EC. 

The analysis of data for 2022 shows a decrease in the quantities recycled/recovered compared to the previous year. The reasons can be attributed to the decline in the number of annual deregistrations certified by the P.R.A. Register of the Ministry of Transport, the international situation that caused delays in the supply of raw materials for automobile manufacturing, and the resulting crisis in the sector, with significant delays in both production and delivery. Overall, the supply chain achieves a reuse and recycling rate of 86% of the vehicle's average weight, exceeding the 85% target set for 2015 by Article 7, paragraph 2 of Legislative Decree 209/2003. 

The indicator evaluates the pressures on the environment and the efficiency of resources used by the economy to generate wealth, as well as its progress toward achieving a circular economy. In 2022, the ratio of national waste production to gross domestic product (GDP) was slightly above the European average (66 kg/1,000€ vs. 60 kg/1,000€). Overall, the economic system still appears unable to limit waste production in relation to the wealth produced. 

Driven by EU policies, the management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) has become a key aspect of waste management within the circular economy framework, especially concerning the supply of Critical Raw Materials. Unlike general waste, WEEE contains both hazardous substances and valuable materials. Legislative measures aim to protect the environment and human health by preventing or reducing negative impacts from the design, production, and disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.
The recycling industry plays a crucial role in the transition to a circular economy, enabling the reintegration of recovered materials into production cycles, improving resource efficiency, promoting sustainable development, and reducing the need for raw material imports. In 2022, the total collected WEEE amounted to approximately 534,000 tonnes, with a preparation for reuse and recycling rate of 83.7% and an overall recovery rate of 89.1%.

The indicator is useful for monitoring progress toward a circular economy, allowing for the identification of the quantities of materials reintroduced into the economy following waste treatment. Compared to the total amount of waste sent for recovery and disposal operations, more than three-quarters of the treated waste is recycled, placing Italy among the countries with the highest recycling rates.