Reduce, Reuse and Recycle: Grand Challenges in Construction Recovery Process

Hurling a successful Construction and Demolition
Waste (C&DW) recycling operation around the globe is a challenge
today, predominantly because secondary materials markets are yet to
be integrated. Reducing, Reusing and recycling of (C&DW) have
been employed over the years, and various techniques have been
investigated. However, the economic and environmental viability of
its application seems limited. This paper discusses the costs and
benefits in using secondary materials and focus on investigating reuse
and recycling process for five major types of construction materials:
concrete, metal, wood, cardboard/paper and plasterboard. Data
obtained from demolition specialists and contractors are considered
and evaluated. The research paper found that construction material
recovery process fully incorporate a 3R’s principle contributing to
saving energy and natural resources. This scrutiny leads to the
empathy of grand challenges in construction material recovery
process. Recommendations to deepen material recovery process are
also discussed.

• Abioye A. Oyenuga
• Rao Bhamidimarri

• Construction & Demolition Waste (C&DW)
• 3R concept
• Recycling
• Reuse
• Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Waste Management.

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