In the light of the ever-increasing need of circular economy in the construction industry and of the recent advances in research and development on the use of recycled aggregates, produced from construction and demolition waste, in new construction materials, this paper presents a compilation of representative case studies of several applications, namely recycled aggregates in unbound, hydraulically-bound and bitumen-bound applications, as well as in (non-)structural concrete in road and building construction. Experience has shown that, in spite of the positive outcomes and comprehensive know-how gained over the course of several years in those exploratory studies, there is a considerable underuse of recycled aggregates mostly due to lack of confidence in the material amongst contractors and designers. This paper, using a range of case studies undertaken in several countries worldwide, highlights the technical viability and appropriateness of using recycled aggregates in a broad range of construction applications. •Case studies on recycled aggregates in building and road pavement construction.•Extensive positive experience exists on applications with high replacement levels.•High economic viability of sourcing locally available recycled aggregates.•Some countries routinely use recycled aggregate concrete in structural elements.