Identification of areas for the deployment of a construction and demolition waste recycling plant using multicriteria

Abstract The construction industry uses a high input of natural resources and generates a large amount of construction and demolition waste (CDW). An alternative to the sustainable management of CDW is the recycling of waste for use by the construction industry itself, thus reducing the demand on natural resources, the cost and the environmental impact caused by inadequate disposal. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess and select areas in which to implement a CDW recycling plant in Viçosa, MG, Brazil. Geographical Information Systems (GIS), especially Multi-Criteria Analysis, allowed the identification of 23 potential areas in which to implement the plant. On-site visits allowed the identification of 4 areas that are more adequate due to easy access, the absence of buildings, low market prices and no pre-defined future use. The methodology adopted has shown to be appropriate to assess and to reduce time in the decision-making process to define potential areas for CDW recycling plants. It is also applicable in other municipalities.