In support of circular economy to evaluate the effects of policies of construction and demolition waste management in three key cities in Yangtze River Delta

Abstract

As the driving force of social and economic development worldwide, a vibrant and environmentally friendly construction industry in every country is a necessary element for a successful and green global economy. China has a vibrant construction industry but faces environmental challenges posed by rapid urban redevelopment that generates huge quantities of construction and demolition (C&D) waste in most of its key cities. An understanding of C&D waste management in such cities, including the effectiveness of low carbon and waste reduction policies, can provide the basis for the sustainable development and economic growth of China’s construction industry. This study therefore evaluated the effectiveness of the C&D waste management policies of three key cities in China’s Yangtze River Delta region: Nanjing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. Information was collected and presented based on statistical analysis and qualitative assessment of the total C&D waste and governance policies of each of the three cities between 2007 and 2018. The results show that Shanghai’s C&D waste annual total difference over the 11 year period is the largest at 2.85 million tons, a decrease of 36.8%, while Hangzhou has the largest difference in the total annual amount of C&D waste of 0.82 million tons, a reduction of 11.8%. Findings from the study provide scientific-based decision support for local and central government when strengthening construction waste management policies in China, as the country works towards a circular economy.