Do hazardous substances in demolition waste hinder circular economy?

Hazardous substances in demolition waste are often deemed a barrier to a circular economy owing to concerns about their fate in recycled materials. However, with the growing demand for recycling materials, it is essential to find circular solutions for construction materials but still protect health and the environment by managing hazardous substances. In this study, selected hazardous substance groups were analysed from demolition waste samples. Most of the concentrations did not raise any concerns when the safety of recycling materials was considered. However, the detection limits of laboratory chemical analysis can be discussed, as bromine was found in samples by an X-ray fluorescence (XRF)-analyser, but only one laboratory detected brominated flame retardants (BRFs). New technologies and practices are needed to follow the chemical content of materials used in the construction phase. Detecting hazardous substances in recyclable materials is the only way to achieve harmless material cycles.