International policy perspectives on construction waste minimisation and recycling

Construction waste is generated in large quantities in most countries. As an example of a rapidly urbanising society, the scale of China's construction sector means that it is particularly important for China to identify measures to minimise waste generation and improve the recycling rate. This paper presents a review and categorisation of the policy measures that other countries have adopted to improve the sustainability of construction waste management, and identifies those policy measures that are potentially applicable to China and other middle- and low-income countries. Policy measures are considered by classifying them into three categories – technical, regulatory and economic. The review of international experience suggests that no single measure on its own is likely to be effective, and policy makers should identify a suite of specific policies which, when put together, can potentially achieve significant changes in construction waste management.