Transformation towards a circular economy in the Australian construction and demolition waste management system

Australia's increasing rate of construction and demolition (C&D) waste generation indicates low resource efficiency in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. This study aims to identify C&D waste disposal reduction (WDR) opportunities and barriers in various stages of the construction materials lifecycle using a systematic literature review approach. The review is guided by the Less of Waste, More of Resources (LoWMoR) model. Overall, 58 barriers and 73 opportunities are identified from 62 Australian literature sources published over the last two decades. The results show that the most opportunities are presented at the design stage, followed by the transport and landfilling elements. Furthermore, the review identifies 20 stakeholders who play a significant role in realising these opportunities including key stakeholders such as project managers, government organisations, industry associations and waste operators. The study recommends improvements in fostering broader research collaboration, harmonising waste management systems, and analysing key stakeholders involved in C&D waste management. The research findings are valuable to various stakeholders in the AEC industry and waste management and resource recovery (WMRR) sector, to drive a circular economy and improve resource efficiency. Further research is recommended in the following areas: the benefits of University-Industry Engagement (UI-E) in the AEC and WMRR industries; the impact of technologies in achieving waste minimisation objectives in Australia; waste minimisation opportunities during construction material transportation; and the direct impact of sustainability rating tools in C&D waste minimisation.