A critical review on recycling and reuse of construction and demolition waste materials
R K Sakthibala, P. Vasanthi, C Hariharasudhan, Pachaivannan Partheeban
Abstract
ABSTRACT The construction and demolition industry is one of the main sources of environmental degradation. They produce vast amounts of waste and consume natural resources as well. Recycling and reusing construction materials are some solutions to overcome depletion of resources leading to sustainability. This addresses the environmental and economic advantages of using refined waste management techniques, including life cycle assessment, deconstruction methods, or even the reuse of concrete, metals, and glass. Innovative solutions also embrace recycling waste tyres, applying information technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), and measures in policies aimed at efficient use of resources. Case studies of the world represent a gap between the current recycling industry with potential form of well-coordinated international collaboration, innovative technology, and more stringent regulation standards. The study through detailed analysis of material recovery rates, waste management techniques accompanied with sustainable construction strategies, suggests the imperative to infuse circular economy principles into the C&D industry. It culminates with reduced landfill, efficient use of resources, and enhances the footprint of the construction activity. The global generation of C&D waste is estimated at 2-3 billion tons annually. This makes up 25-30% of global waste produced annually. The annual growth rate of C&D waste is estimated to be 3-5%, based on the pace of urbanization, infrastructure development, and population growth. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the United States produces over 600 million tons of C&D waste annually. European Union annually produces about 400-500 million tons of C&D waste. China alone produces nearly 1 billion tons of C&D waste annually and is the world's largest producer.