Review of waste strategy documents in Australia: Analysis of strategies for construction and demolition waste

Abstract

The construction industry in Australia has grown significantly in the past two decades in the wake of population growth, migration and expansion in the tertiary education industry. The growing population has necessitated extensive property development, better public transport and improved infrastructure. To achieve all of this, construction activities have been on the rise; resulting in significant growth in construction and demolition (C&D) waste generation. However, the management of C&D waste has presented issues that have proven impact on the Australian society, environment and economy. Therefore, this review study is conducted to investigate how C&D waste is dealt in eight jurisdictions of Australia. This study reviewed the strategies recommended in waste strategy documents in these jurisdictions. Particularly, the study reviewed waste recycling and recovery targets, illegal dumping and stockpiling, extended producer responsibility, the definition of waste versus resource; use of C&D recycled waste and energy from waste extraction. The results of this review have provided an insight into the approach taken in the Australian context to deal with C&D waste stream.