The new law replaces the previous state waste law and is intended to further advance the transition to a resource-saving circular economy.
The key points are the integration of sustainability criteria into public tenders and the increased use of recyclates. Due to the high importance of public procurement volumes, it is assumed that procurement by the state authorities will provide a boost to innovation.
Construction is particularly important, both in terms of the use of natural resources and the demolition of buildings. In the future, this should be taken into account through the use of resource-saving building materials as well as corresponding requirements for product, environmental and health protection in construction projects.
Specific measures include the equal use of recycled concrete alongside concrete made from primary raw materials in building construction, the equal use of mineral substitute building materials alongside building materials made from primary raw materials in civil engineering, requirements for the avoidance and recycling of construction and demolition waste and the creation of dismantling and disposal plans for larger ones Plan.
Minister Heinen-Esser emphasizes: “Overall, the new state circular economy law is a milestone in state law for strengthening the circular economy and for a sustainable economy. It makes an important contribution to protecting natural resources, as we owe it to future generations.”
