Construction and Demolition Waste Management: Bottlenecks, Regulations, and Policy Framework

The management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) is a crucial environmental issue that needs to be addressed. The objective of the chapter is to explore the various aspects of CDW management (CDWM) and discuss bottlenecks, regulations, and policy frameworks while sharing examples and good practices from around the world. Some major bottlenecks in proper CDWM include the lack of awareness and understanding among stakeholders as well as inadequate infrastructure and facilities for effective CDWM. Several countries have adopted diverse approaches to effectively manage CDW. Notable examples include Sweden, the Netherlands, European Union member states, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, which have implemented stringent laws and acts to govern CDW practices. These countries have introduced substantial fees for CDW disposal at landfills enforcing rigorous control and monitoring mechanisms. These have helped them to promote responsible CDWM and incentivize sustainable waste disposal practices. The bottlenecks related to CDWM were prevalent in transition and developing countries, including China, Malaysia, Cyprus, South America, Africa, and South Asia. A paradigm shift is needed in perceiving CDW as a valuable resource through the practices such as urban mining, life cycle design approaches, and opting for deconstruction. Advancing the technologies used, implementation of pertinent legislations, quality assurance systems for recycled materials, and green public procurement practices are of paramount importance in facing challenges in recycling CDW. Addressing CDW challenges is essential for achieving sustainable outcomes while minimizing the environmental footprint.