Exploring the Feasibility of Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling in Skopje through Analyzing Four Different Scenarios

Abstract

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) accounts for 25–30% of the total waste generated in the EU. In North Macedonia, CDW management is primarily based on collection and landfilling by public communal enterprises, with operations not fully aligned with EU standards. CDW generation is estimated at 460,000–500,000 tons/year nationwide and 142,434–154,820 tons/year in Skopje. Four scenarios for CDW treatment in Skopje are proposed: Full Treatment (FT), Selected Treatment (ST), Selected Treatment with Mobile Equipment (STM), and Do Nothing. FT offers high material recovery but requires significant investment and has a 12.2-year ROI. ST has lower costs with over 2 years of execution time, while STM provides the best ROI with a 6-month implementation timeline. All scenarios contribute to reducing GHG emissions (18,031,840 kg CO₂-e) and lowering landfilling by 449,000 tons. Implementation would also yield socio-economic benefits including job creation, improved public awareness, and advancement toward a circular economy.