A conceptual foundation for effective construction and demolition waste management

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is described as a material which is indispensably arisen from construction and demolition (C&D) activities and ought to be effectively managed, otherwise, its improper management can produce negative economic, environmental, and social impacts. Effective management of CDW leads to the corroboration of structures and leading to an authentic impact on natural systems. Therefore, it is vital to consider a potent concept capable of analyzing effective construction and demolition waste management (CDWM). This study aims at developing a framework to assess the effectiveness of CDWM. The proposed conceptual framework includes three main categories, namely CDWM contributing factors, CDWM hierarchy, and effective CDWM. CDWM contributing factors consist of four main categories, namely CDWM stakeholders’ attitudes, CDWM from sustainability point of view, CDWM tools, and CDW project life cycle. In developing this framework, and in addition to the contributing factors, supportive theories have been applied for the purpose of justification. Based on a systematic research method, 214 research documents were revealed initially and after refining process, 32 relevant research documents were unveiled and then thoroughly considered. It was revealed that sustainability concept is the main foundation of CDWM. Accordingly, the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was identified as a fundamental pillar that supports stakeholders’ attitudes in effective CDWM assessment.