A Conventional Way of Disposal: Landfills

In a linear economy, CRD waste is traditionally regarded as zero-value materials. As a result, the majority of waste materials generated in construction, renovation, and demolition projects are disposed of in landfills. However, disposing this waste in landfills can have several negative impacts on the environment and society.

These problems indicate an urgent need for comprehensive and integrated waste management mechanisms, relevant technologies, and policies. The circular economy has emerged as a strategy to minimize the use of non-renewable resources, reduce the environmental impact of CRD waste, and achieve long-term sustainability. 

Based on the principles of life cycle thinking, circular economy aims to create a closed-loop system where materials and resources are kept in use for as long as possible, through a variety of strategies such as reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. Life cycle thinking is crucial for effective construction waste management as it enables us to understand and manage the environmental, social, and economic impacts of construction activities across their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.

“By considering the full life cycle of construction materials and products, we can identify opportunities to reduce CRD waste generation, promote resource efficiency, and minimize negative impacts on the environment and society.”