Market development for construction and demolition waste stream in Australia

Abstract

In Australia, construction and demolition activities have substantially grown over recent decades leading to the generation of a large amount of waste. Among available options, the development of end markets for construction and demolition (C&D) waste materials is regarded as a sustainable option to tackle issues around their management. Despite the promotion of a circular economy and the existence of some trading platforms set to facilitate C&D waste exchange in Australia, no research has been conducted to understand how various key stakeholders perceive their role in the C&D waste management system. Hence, this paper aims to identify the perceptions of key Australian C&D waste stakeholders on the market development for recyclable materials. The study conducted a questionnaire survey in 2019, aiming to capture the main C&D waste stakeholders on market development. In total, 132 responses were collected, and the analytical results show that participants significantly support implementing more market incentives to reduce waste disposal. They also indicate that investment in technology and infrastructure, sustainable procurement and landfill levies are three major influential factors that have a significant impact on market development. The research findings can inform decisions and policies developed in Australia to establish end markets for C&D waste management effectively.