Recyclability of Construction and Demolition Waste in Ghana: A Circular Economy Perspective

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Sustainable Education and Development – Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation (ARCA 2022)

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Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to investigate construction professionals’ attitude towards the recyclability of construction and demolition waste through the circularity lens.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper adopts the quantitative approach using purposive sampling. Questionnaires were administered to 120 construction professionals on construction sites in which 92 useable questionnaires were retrieved for analysis giving a response rate of 77%.

Findings: The findings of this research revealed that construction professionals perceive construction and demolition wastes emanate from concrete, brick, roofing sheet, metals, gypsum board as recyclable. Also, the research findings demonstrates that the recyclability of construction and demolition waste is confronted with challenges such as cost, lack of confidence in the use of recycled construction materials, technological barriers, and lack of organised markets for recycled construction materials.

Research Limitation/Implications: The research focused mostly on participants working on building construction sites; hence, a future study to include professionals in other areas of the construction industry.

Practical Implication: The findings of this research have the potential to increase the awareness of top management in construction firms on the need to implement strategic approach that drives the recycling of construction and demolition wastes.

Social Implication: The research has the potential to improve community awareness on the need to recycle construction and demolition waste for construction operations.

Originality/Value: The study addressed pertinent issues regarding the perception of construction and demolition waste recyclability among construction professionals, which consequently drives the circular economy.

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Correspondence to M. Adesi .

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Adesi, M., Ahiabu, M., Owusu-Manu, D., Boateng, F., Kissi, E. (2023). Recyclability of Construction and Demolition Waste in Ghana: A Circular Economy Perspective. In: Aigbavboa, C., et al. Sustainable Education and Development – Sustainable Industrialization and Innovation. ARCA 2022. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-25998-2_9

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