Skip to main content

Policy Intervention of Waste Management

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Waste Management in the Circular Economy

Abstract

The circular economy (CE) has become a central focus of waste management and resource efficiency initiatives and practices around the world. Notably, key stakeholders in the built environment (BE) sector have become interested in pursuing CE principles leading to improved construction and demolition (C&D) waste management. The three widely applied approaches for sustainable waste management include encouragement, enforcement, and education. Enforcement and policy intervention are well-documented to have a major part in the circularity of the BE. Therefore, this chapter explores eight key policy interventions (landfill tax, penalties for illegal waste dumping, tax on using raw materials, levy waiver on waste recycling residuals, extended producer responsibility, sustainable procurement, proximity principle, and recycled product certification) that significantly impact the sector resource circularity. By doing so, this chapter provides a basis for promoting and enforcing waste recovery and resource efficiency. Where relevant, the Australian experience as the case study is used to unfold the key elements impacting the implementation of these interventions. The chapter draws on extensive literature and policy analysis findings, perceptions of key Australian stakeholders captured in a questionnaire survey, and a series of interviews (2018–2021). This chapter significantly adds both conceptually and practically to dealing with waste and reclaiming resources. It is expected that the content is leveraged to develop informed waste management-related policies.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 119.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 159.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Adell, A., & Schaefe, B. (2019). Green public procurement in the republic of korea: A decade of progress and lessons learned. KEITI.

    Google Scholar 

  • Alhola, K., Ryding, S.-O., Salmenperä, H., & Busch, N. J. (2019). Exploiting the potential of public procurement: Opportunities for eircular economy. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 23(1).https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.12770

  • Anastasiades, K., Blom, J., Buyle, M., & Audenaert, A. (2020). Translating the circular economy to bridge construction: Lessons learnt from a critical literature review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 117, 109522.  http://www.elsevier.com/locate/rser, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2019.109522

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Australian Government. (2020, November). Sustainable procurement guide: A practical guide for commonwealth entities Department of Agriculture (Ed.). CC BY 4.0.

    Google Scholar 

  • Australian ISO 20400 Committee. (2018). Building the business case for sustainable procurement in Australia—Guidance.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bao, Z., & Lu, W. (2020). Developing efficient circularity for construction and demolition waste management in fast emerging economies: Lessons learned from Shenzhen, China. Science of the Total Environment, 724, 138264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138264

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Benachio, G. L. F., Freitas, M. C. D., & Tavares, S. F. (2020). Circular economy in the construction industry: A systematic literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 260, 121046. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121046

  • Bohari, A. A. M., Skitmore, M., Xia, B., & Teo, M. (2017). Green oriented procurement for building projects: Preliminary findings from Malaysia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 148, 690–700. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.01.141

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bougrain, F. (2017). Impact of green public procurement on the market of recycled concrete. Delft University of Technology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brammer, S., & Walker, H. (2011). Sustainable procurement in the public sector: An international comparative study. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 31(4), 452–476. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443571111119551

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Caldera, S., Mohamed, S., & Feng, Y. (2022). Evaluating the Covid-19 impacts on sustainable procurement: Experiences from the Australian built environment sector. Sustainability, 14(7), 4163. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074163

  • Caldera, S., Ryley, T., & Zatyko, N. (2020). Enablers and barriers for creating a marketplace for construction and demolition waste: A systematic literature review. Sustainability, 12(23), 9931. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12239931

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chileshe, N., Jayasinghe, R. S., & Rameezdeen, R. (2019). Information flow-centric approach for reverse logistics supply chains. Automation in Construction, 106, 102858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.102858

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Commonwealth of Australia. (2013). Sustainable procurement guide.

    Google Scholar 

  • Craighill, A., & Powell, J. C. (1999). A lifecycle assessment and evaluation of construction and demolition waste.

    Google Scholar 

  • Da Costa, B. B., & Da Motta, A. L. T. (2019). Key factors hindering sustainable procurement in the brazilian public sector: A delphi study. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, 14(2), 152–171.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis, P., Simon, L., Sher, W., Tang, P., & Newaz, M. T. (2019). Key solutions for construction and demolition (c&d) waste management in NSW, Australia (pp. 612–628). CQ University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Delmonico, D., Jabbour, C. J. C., Pereira, S. C. F., de Sousa Jabbour, A. B. L., Renwick, D. W. S., & Thomé, A. M. T. (2018). Unveiling barriers to sustainable public procurement in emerging economies: Evidence from a leading sustainable supply chain initiative in Latin America. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 134, 70–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.02.033

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dubois, M., de Graaf, D., & Thieren, J. (2016). Exploration of the role of extended producer responsibility for the circular economy in the Netherlands. London, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Elmualim, A., Mostafa, S., Chileshe, N., & Rameezdeen, R. (2018). Construction and the circular economy: Smart and industrialised prefabrication. In: Unmaking waste in production and consumption: Towards the circular economy. Emerald Publishing Limited, Bingley, pp. 323–336 https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/978-1-78714-619-820181025/full/html

  • EPA Victoria. (2007). Impact of landfill levy on the steel recycling sector in victoria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Equilibrium. (2019). Review of standards and specifications for recycled content products (p. 20). The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ershadi, M., Jefferies, M., Davis, P., & Mojtahedi, M. (2021). Achieving sustainable procurement in construction projects: The pivotal role of a project management office. Construction Economics and Building, 21(1), 45–64. https://doi.org/10.5130/AJCEB.v21i1.7170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • European Parliament. (2022). Circular economy: Definition, importance and benefits. News: European Parliament.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fini, A. A. F., & Forsythe, P. (2020). Barriers to reusing and recycling office fit-out: An exploratory analysis of demolition processes and product features. Construction Economics and Building, 20(4), 42–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forghani, R., W. Kanjanabootra, S. S., & Totoev, Y. (2017). Consequence of waste levy revocation: Case study Queensland, Australia. Sydney University of Technology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Forslind, K. (2005). Implementing extended producer responsibility: The case of sweden’s car scrapping scheme. Journal of Cleaner Production, 13(6), 619–629.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gaffar, S. (2019). How we can recycle more buildings. The Conversation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glanville, K., & Chang, H.-C. (2015). Mapping illegal domestic waste disposal potential to support waste management efforts in Queensland, Australia. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 29(6), 1042–1058.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gounden, K. (2016). Factors influencing sustainable procurement within the private and public sector in South Africa. University of Pretoria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guerra, B. C., & Leite, F. (2021). Circular economy in the construction industry: An overview of united states stakeholders’ awareness, major challenges, and enablers. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 170, 105617. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105617

  • Guggemos, A. A., & Horvath, A. (2003). Strategies of extended producer responsibility for buildings. Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 9(2), 65–74.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupt, Y., & Sahay, S. (2015). Review of extended producer responsibility: A case study approach. Waste Management & Research, 33(7), 595–611.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hasselbalch, J., Costa, N., & Blecken, A. (2015). Investigating the barriers to sustainable procurement in the united nations. In M. Klumpp, S. de Leeuw, A. Regattieri, & R. de Souza (Eds.), Humanitarian logistics and sustainability (pp. 67–86). Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • He, Q., Shi, S., & Hu, M. (2014). Exploring a long-term mechanism of construction and demolition waste recycling: A case of Chongqing (pp. 1109–1120). Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hyder Consulting Pty Ltd. (2011). Construction and demolition waste status report: Management of construction and demolition waste in Australia. Department of Energy and Environment, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

    Google Scholar 

  • Isenhour, C., Blackmer, T., Wagner, T., Silka, L., & Peckenham, J. (2016). Moving up the waste hierarchy in maine: Learning from “best practice” state-level policy for waste reduction and recovery. Maine Policy Review, 25(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.53558/VZUB1903

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Islam, M. M., Murad, M. W., McMurray, A. J., & Abalala, T. S. (2017). Aspects of sustainable procurement practices by public and private organisations in Saudi Arabia: An empirical study. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 24(4), 289–303. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2016.1209794

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jayasinghe, R. S., Rameezdeen, & Chileshe, N. (2018). Waste management practices in Australia: Comparison of strategies. Proceedings of 22nd International Conference on Advancement of Construction Management and Real Estate. Melbourne, Australia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kabirifar, K., Mojtahedi, M., & Wang, C. C. (2021). A systematic review of construction and demolition waste management in Australia: Current practices and challenges. Recycling, 6(2), 34. https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling6020034

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2017). Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 127, 221–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.09.005.

  • Langrová, V. (2002). Comparative analysis of EPR programmes for small consumer batteries: Case study of the Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laviano, H., Jordan, B., Monica, T., & Noor, D. (2017). Waste and recycling industry in Australia: A submission to the senate inquiry.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindhqvist, T. (2000). Extended producer responsibility in cleaner production: Policy principle to promote environmental improvements of product systems. Lund University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lingegård, S., Olsson, J. A., Kadefors, A., & Uppenberg, S. (2021). Sustainable public procurement in large infrastructure projects—policy implementation for carbon emission reductions. Sustainability, 13(20), 11182. Available from https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/20/11182

  • Local Government NSW. (2021). Sustainable procurement guide: For local government in NSW.

    Google Scholar 

  • McMurray, A. J., Islam, M. M., Siwar, C., & Fien, J. (2014). Sustainable procurement in Malaysian organizations: Practices, barriers and opportunities. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 20(3), 195–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pursup.2014.02.005

  • Nahman, A. (2010). Extended producer responsibility for packaging waste in South Africa: Current approaches and lessons learned. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 54(3), 155–162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2009.07.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • National Waste Report. (2020). National waste report. Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water.

    Google Scholar 

  • Newaz, M. T., Davis, P., Sher, W., & Simon, L. (2020). Factors affecting construction waste management streams in Australia. International Journal of Construction and Management, 22(13), 2625–2633.https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2020.1815122

  • Ogunsanya, O. A., Aigbavboa, C. O., Thwala, D. W., & Edwards, D. J. (2019). Barriers to sustainable procurement in the nigerian construction industry: An exploratory factor analysis. International Journal of Construction and Management, 1–12. Available from https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2019.1658697

  • Park, J., & Tucker, R. (2017). Overcoming barriers to the reuse of construction waste material in Australia: A review of the literature. International Journal of Construction Management, 17(3), 228–237. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2016.1192248

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peck, P., Peck, J., Richter, L., & Delaney, K. (20200. Circular economy—Sustainable materials management: A compendium by the international institute for industrial environmental economics (IIIEE) at lund university. The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE).

    Google Scholar 

  • Pick, F. (2017). Waste as a resource: Tools for construction and demolition waste management. Metro Vancouver in conjunction with the National Zero Waste Council.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rameezdeen, R., Chileshe, N., Hosseini, M., & Lehmann, S. (2016). A qualitative examination of major barriers in implementation of reverse logistics within the south Australian construction sector. International Journal of Construction Management, 16(3), 185–196. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-05-2013-0028

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ratnasabapathy, S., Alashwal, A., & Perera, S. (2021). Exploring the barriers for implementing waste trading practices in the construction industry in Australia. Built Environment Project and Asset Management. 11(4), 559-576. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-04-2020-0077

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ratnasabapathy S., Perera, S., & Alashwal, A. (2019a). A review of construction waste data and reporting systems used in Australia (pp. 396–405). CQ University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ratnasabapathy, S., Perera, S., & Alashwal, A. (2019b). A review of smart technology usage in construction and demolition waste management. In Y. G. Sandanayake, S. Gunatilake, & Waidyasekara (Eds.), Proceedings of the 8th World Construction Symposium (pp. 45–55).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ratnasabapathy, S., Perera, S., Alashwal, A. M., & Lord, O. (2019c). Assessment of waste generation and diversion rates in residential construction projects in Australia. In: CIB world building congress: Constructing smart cities. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sajjad, A., Eweje, G., & Tappin, D. (2020). Managerial perspectives on drivers for and barriers to sustainable supply chain management implementation: Evidence from News Zealand. Business Strategy and the Environment, 29(2), 592–604.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanchez, A. X., Lehtiranta, L., Hampson, K. D., & Kenley, R. (2014). Evaluation framework for green procurement in road construction. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 3(2): 153–163. https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-05-2013-0028

  • SBEnrc P.175. (2021). Project 1.75 creation and stimulation of end markets for construction and demolition waste. Perth, Australia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shanoff, B. (1996). Proposed recycling rules create obstacles. World Wastes, 39(6), 14–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shooshtarian, S., & Maqsood, T. (2021). How does product certification help construction and demolition waste resource recovery?. In The fifth estate.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shooshtarian, S., Caldera, S., Maqsood, T., & Ryley, T. (2020a). Using recycled construction and demolition waste products: A review of stakeholders’ perceptions, decisions, and motivations. Recycling, 5(4), 31. https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling5040031

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shooshtarian, S., Caldera, S., Maqsood, T., Ryley, T., & Khalfan, M. (2021a). An investigation into challenges and opportunities in the Australian construction and demolition waste management system. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(10), 4313–4330. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-05-2021-0439

  • Shooshtarian, S., Caldera, S., Maqsood, T., Ryley, T., Wong, P. P. & Zaman, A.(2022a). Analysis of factors influencing the creation and stimulation of the Australian market for recycled construction and demolition waste products. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 34, 163–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2022.09.005

  • Shooshtarian, S., Khalfan, M., Maqsood, T., Wong, P. S., & Yang, R. J. (2020b). Market development for construction and demolition waste stream in Australia. Journal of Construction Engineering, Management & Innovation, 3(3), 220–231. https://doi.org/10.31462/jcemi.2020.03220231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shooshtarian, S., Le, T., Feng, Y., & Bettini, L. (2022b). Analysis of sustainable procurement in supplying recycled content: A case study in western Australia. RMIT University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shooshtarian, S., Maqsood, T., Barrett, C., Wong, S. P., Yang, J. R., & Khalfan, M. (2020c). Opportunities to reduce brick waste disposal. In A. Ghaffarianhoseini (Ed.), The architectural science association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shooshtarian, S., Maqsood, T., Caldera, S., & Ryley, T. (2022c). Transformation towards a circular economy in the Australian construction and demolition waste management system. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 30, 89–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2021.11.032

  • Shooshtarian, S., Maqsood, T., Khalfan, M., Wong, S. P., & Yang, J. R. (2019a). Managing construction and demolition (C&D) waste in Australia. CIB World Building Congress 2019. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shooshtarian, S., Maqsood, T., Khalfan, M., Yang, J. R., & Wong, S. P. P. (2020d). Landfill levy imposition on construction and demolition waste: Australian stakeholders’ perceptions. Sustainability, 12(11), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114496

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shooshtarian, S., Maqsood, T., Wong, P., Khalfan, M., & Yang, R. (2019b). Review of energy recovery from construction and demolition waste in Australia. Journal of Construction Engineering, Management & Innovation, 2(3), 112–130. https://doi.org/10.31462/jcemi.2019.03112130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shooshtarian, S., Maqsood, T., Wong, P. S., Khalfan, M., & Yang, R. J. (2021b). Extended producer responsibility in the Australian construction industry. Sustainability, 13(2), 620. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020620

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shooshtarian, S., Maqsood, T., Wong, S. P., Yang, J. R., & Khalfan, M. (2020e). Review of waste strategy documents in Australia: Analysis of strategies for construction and demolition waste. International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 23(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJETM.2020.110147

  • Silva, R., De Brito, J., & Dhir, R. K. (2017). Availability and processing of recycled aggregates within the construction and demolition supply chain: A review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 143, 598–614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.12.070

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Srour, I., Chong, W. K., & Zhang, F. (2012). Sustainable recycling approach: An understanding of designers’ and contractors’ recycling responsibilities throughout the life cycle of buildings in two us cities. Sustainable Development, 20(5), 350–360.  https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.493

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tam, V.W.-Y., & Lu, W. (2016). Construction waste management profiles, practices, and performance: A cross-jurisdictional analysis in four countries. Sustainability, 8(2), 190. https://doi.org/10.3390/su8020190

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tam, V. W., Kotrayothar, D., & Loo, Y.-C. (2009). On the prevailing construction waste recycling practices: A south east Queensland study. Waste Management & Research, 27(2), 167–174. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242X08091864

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thorpe, B., & Kruszewska, I. (1999). Strategies to promote clean production: Extended producer responsibility. Clean production action. Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS Appendix A.

    Google Scholar 

  • Udawatta, N., Zuo, J., Chiveralls, K., & Zillante, G. (2015a). Attitudinal and behavioural approaches to improving waste management on construction projects in Australia: Benefits and limitations. International Journal of Construction Management, 15(2), 137–147. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2015.1033815

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Udawatta, N., Zuo, J., Chiveralls, K., & Zillante, G. (2015b). Improving waste management in construction projects: An Australian study. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 101, 73–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2015.05.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UK's HM Revenue & Customs. (2018). Aggregate levy guidance. U. G. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (Ed.).

    Google Scholar 

  • United Nations Environmental Programme. (2016). Sustainable public procurement.

    Google Scholar 

  • Widmer, R., Oswald-Krapf, H., Sinha-Khetriwal, D., Schnellmann, M., & Böni, H. (2005). Global perspectives on e-waste. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 25(5), 436–458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2005.04.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WSP Environmental and TRL Ltd. (2005). Evaluating options for declaring recycled content in construction products and projects.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, H., Zuo, J., Yuan, H., Zillante, G., & Wang, J. (2020). Cross-regional mobility of construction and demolition waste in Australia: An exploratory study. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 156, 104710. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104710

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, J., Ye, M., Lu, W., Bao, Z., & Webster, C. (2021). A four-quadrant conceptual framework for analyzing extended producer responsibility in offshore prefabrication construction. Journal of Cleaner Production, 282, 124540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124540

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, C., Hu, M., Yang, X., Miranda-Xicotencatl, B., Sprecher, B., Di Maio, F., Zhong, X., & Tukker, A. (2020). Upgrading construction and demolition waste management from downcycling to recycling in the Netherlands. Journal of Cleaner Production, 266, 121718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121718

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao, X., Webber, R., Kalutara, P., Browne, W., & Pienaar, J. (2021). Construction and demolition waste management in Australia: A mini-review. Waste Management and Research, 40(1), 34–46.https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242X211029446

  • Zhu, Q., Geng, Y., & Sarkis, J. (2013). Motivating green public procurement in china: An individual level perspective. Journal of Environmental Management, 126, 85–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2013.04.009

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Salman Shooshtarian .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Shooshtarian, S., Maqsood, T., Wong, P.S.P. (2023). Policy Intervention of Waste Management. In: Bandh, S.A., Malla, F.A. (eds) Waste Management in the Circular Economy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-42426-7_5

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics