Construction and demolition waste recycling and reuse clause in standard form of contracts: impact on project performance

Abstract

Many environmental problems have been associated with construction and demolition waste (CDW) globally. Therefore, CDW recycling is seen as necessary, given the rapidly growing number of CDW over the years. The inclusion of a clause on CDW recycling in national Standard Form Contracts can encourage contractors to recycle CDW, hence improving construction waste management. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the contractor’s perception of the inclusion of CDW recycling as a mandatory clause in Standard Form Contracts. A survey questionnaire was distributed to contractors, and 146 responses were collected. The results show that most contractors perceived that the inclusion of the CDW recycling clause in Standard Form Contracts would not benefit contractors or improve their project performance. Despite most contractors are aware of the environmental problems caused by CDW, the inclusion of such clauses is deemed unnecessary to address the CDW issue. Apparently, the government should take a more strategic approach in introducing initiatives to CDW recycle to achieve greater acceptance among construction key players.