Discrepancies in regulations governing C&D waste and recommendations for reforms

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. All these activities have resulted in a substantial growth in construction and demolition (C&D) waste. However, the amount of C&D waste generation and the way it is being dealt with differs across eight Australian jurisdictions. The main cause of different levels of C&D waste management in Australia is believed to be jurisdictional regulations governing C&D waste. In order to achieve the first objective of this research, this report seeksto identify the inconsistencies in regulations and standards governing C&D waste in eight states and territories.