Recycling of construction and demolition waste and its impact on climate change and sustainable development

Abstract

The huge generated amounts of construction and demolition (C&D) waste around the world, which amounts up to more than 25% of the total generated waste, has become a serious environmental challenge that needs to be addressed. This analytical review paper sheds light on the different adverse environmental impacts of the presently used conventional management method of landfilling and proposes waste recycling as an alternative sustainable management option. Analysis showed that C&D waste recycling could be an effective mitigation option to reduce the risk of landslides; reduce the energy consumption; offset the greenhouse emissions where about 39% is attributed to the construction industry; recover added-value materials; create jobs; and protect the earth’s natural resources. The results of analysis highlight the importance of on-site recycling and segregation at source for offsetting the greenhouse gas emissions as well as mitigating the risks of the hazardous portion. The results of this analytical review promote the importance of diverting construction and demolition waste from landfill sites to recycling and help decision makers to adopt the recycling option to achieve sustainable development.