Guide on the use of recycled materials in road infrastructure

Spain

The Department of Infrastructure and Territorial Development (DIDT) of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, in collaboration with IDOM, has developed a technical and practical tool, a guide aimed at promoting sustainability in road construction.

The aim of the guide is straightforward: to encourage the use of recycled materials in every stage of road infrastructure projects, from design to construction and maintenance. This encourages the circular economy, promotes the decarbonization of the sector, and ensures compliance with applicable environmental regulations in new construction and rehabilitation works within the historical territory of Bizkaia.

Contents and features of the guide

The guide provides industry stakeholders with a solid, up-to-date technical foundation that includes:

• An updated inventory of recycled materials that can be used in road infrastructure, such as aggregates from construction and demolition waste (CDW), steel slag, end-of-life tires, plastics, glass, wood, among others.
• Detailed technical data sheets for each material, with information on properties, applications, relevant regulations, and associated environmental benefits.
• An interactive digital tool that facilitates the planning and selection of recycled materials in road projects, supporting decision-making in the bidding, design, and execution phases of works.

Benefits for industry players

The guide offers clear advantages for all stakeholders involved in sustainable road infrastructure construction by facilitating the integration of environmental criteria into public procurement processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting the efficient use of resources.

Construction and engineering companies have access to technical references that reduce risks, improve planning, and facilitate the incorporation of recycled materials into their projects. For their part, manufacturers and suppliers gain visibility through the official inventory, which allows them to connect with projects that demand sustainable solutions and strengthen their positioning in the market.

A living tool for the circular economy in Bizkaia

This project reinforces Bizkaia’s commitment to the circular economy and the decarbonization of road infrastructure. The guide is designed as a living tool, which will be updated periodically to incorporate new materials, technologies, and regulatory changes, ensuring its long-term usefulness and relevance.

Check here for the Guide to the use of recycled materials in road infrastructure. (Spanish)

Climate Change & Circular Economy