Obstacles to circular economy implementation for enhanced construction and demolition waste management in Bangladesh
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Abstract
The construction industry generates a substantial amount of waste. In Bangladesh, waste generation is projected to reach 47,000 tonnes daily by 2025. Inappropriate waste management can disrupt the natural resources in Bangladesh. The implementation of the circular economy (CE) concept could provide a viable solution to this issue. CE emphasises the efficient use of resources and waste minimisation. This study aimed to determine the significant obstacles to CE implementation in improving construction and demolition waste management in Bangladesh via a structured interview conducted with nine respondents from various backgrounds. The results revealed that the main obstacles to implementing CE were the lack of knowledge and awareness among construction practitioners, as a result of inadequate training and education programmes and imprecise existing regulations and policies. Accordingly, enforcement should be tightened to encourage more sustainable practices. The findings of this study lay a platform for construction practitioners in Bangladesh to prioritise integrating CE as an approach for construction and demolition (C&D) waste minimisation.
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