Environmental impacts of PVC-U pipe recycling: An integrated MFA–LCA framework for decision support in UK construction waste management

<p dir="ltr"><i>This study examines the environmental implications of end-of-life management options for</i><i> </i><i>PVC-U</i><i> pipes</i><i>, a widely used yet under-researched material in the UK construction sector. While consumer plastics have been extensively studied, infrastructure-grade polymers containing legacy additives like lead and cadmium remain poorly understood in terms of their waste impacts. Addressing this gap, the research evaluates three principal EOL scenarios—mechanical recycling, incineration, and landfilling</i><a href="" target="_blank"><i>—</i></a><i>for post-consumer PVC-U pipes. A static Material Flow Analysis was used to quantify material and pollutant flows, alongside an attributional Life Cycle Assessment to measure environmental impacts. To support comparative decision-making, the Analytic Hierarchy Process</i><i> </i><i>was applied within a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis framework using indicators derived from literature and expert input. Data collection involved field visits to UK recycling facilities and secondary sources. Although final results are pending, the integrated methodological framework provides a solid basis for identifying environmentally preferable disposal strategies and offers insights relevant to EU circular economy goals and UK waste regulation.</i></p>