Construction and Demolition Waste Management in Affluent Economies in Transition: Implementing the 3R Strategy

Worldwide, the growth of population, advancements in economic development, and the swift process of urbanization have been linked to the persistent rise in construction and demolition waste (CDW), resulting in noteworthy environmental consequences. This is particularly evident in affluent economies undergoing transition, where the generation of CDW surpasses 80% of the overall waste stream. Although there have been several efforts to regulate and manage CDW, there is still a significant gap in our understanding of the key aspects involved in effectively controlling CDW management. This study aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the methodological and analytical aspects of CDW and its intricate management complexities. The investigation focuses on affluent economies in transition, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) serving as a pilot country for analysis. The study places emphasis on the ideas of Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling (3R) through an examination of current policies, management methods, and pertinent literature. The examination focuses on the elements that either impede or facilitate the implementation of these principles. In order to accomplish our research objectives, we did an extensive investigation by employing authoritative government websites and academic literature obtained from reputable sources such as Google Scholar and Scopus. The study witnessed a growing focus and momentum on recycling in recent years, driven by the country’s commitment to addressing environmental issues, waste reduction, and the promotion of sustainability. However, the country needs efficient strategies and frameworks to increase the circularity in the construction industry, emphasizing the potential insights that may be gained for the adoption of sustainable CDW management systems.