The UN environment programme (UNEP) asseses recycling of construction materials as a contribute to avoid a sand crisis within their report "Sand and Sustainability: 10 Strategic Recommendations to Avert a Crisis".

On March 2 2022, Heads of State, Ministers of environment and other representatives from UN Member States endorsed a historic resolution at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi to End Plastic Pollution and forge an international legally binding agreement by 2024. The resolution addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design and disposal.