C&D Waste Recycling and Management: Chinese Practices

China produced a large amount of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Currently, most C&D waste in China is disposed of in landfills, which contradicts the core principles of circular economy, leading to a loss of resources. Although China has placed increased emphasis on the recycling of C&D waste, it is still in its primary stage, indicating that certain challenges might prevent the successful implementation of policies in practice. Therefore, identification of challenges in the development of C&D waste recycling is essential. This chapter employs site visits to five recycling plants in five Chinese cities (Shanghai, Suzhou, Chongqing, Changsha and Shenzhen) and interviews with 12 industry practitioners for examining the challenges. Six challenges are identified: (1) unstable source of C&D waste for recycling, (2) absence of subsidies for recycling activities and high cost for land use, (3) absence of regulations on on-site sorting, (4) unregulated landfill activities, (5) a lack of accurate estimation of waste quantity and distribution, and (6) a lack of an effective waste tracing system. Recommendations to address these challenges are presented. The results of this study are expected to aid policy makers in formulation of proper C&D waste management in China and contribute to sustainable production.