ABSTRACT: Construction Industry is responsible for 50% of natural resources consumption, thus adopting sustainable practices regarding use and adequate disposal of civil construction and demolition wastes (CDW) are of utmost importance. Recycling and reuse of CDW has been consolidated as an important sustainable practice and has great potential to diminish environmental impact generated by civil industry as well as reduce costs in building constructions. In this context, the aim of this study was verify the current scenario regarding CDW reuse in Natal, RN, Brazil. Currently two main regulations concerning management of solid wastes, CONAMA Resolution Nº 307/ 2002 and Law Nº 6.298/2011, advise about CDW disposal, encouraging reuse in building constructions. To get data related to the use of recycled materials in civil industry, in loco visitations and questionnaires were conducted in construction sites. Quantitative data on generation and recycling of CDW were gathered with the company responsible for waste management in Natal. In the last five years there has been a great evolution in waste management, recycling and reuse, although this use is far from ideal.
Most of CDW are disposed in an irregular way, causing severe environmental damages and threating public health. Although there are legislations providing guidance to the management and recycling of CDW, inspection is ineffective. In order to a sustainable development in construction section, there is an urge for incentive policies in civil industry to the use of recycling and reuse of CDW and promotion of environmental awareness of civil enterprises, their employees and civil society.