Abstract
Construction and demolition (C&D) waste remains a significant environmental problem in the Gauteng province of South Africa. Rapid urbanisation and infrastructure development continue to drive unsustainable rates of resource utilisation and waste generation. Current linear waste management practices, as dominated by disposal and low-level recycling, fall short in tackling the environmental, social, and economic impacts of C&D waste. In this regard, the principles supported by the circular economy (CE) offer a promising alternative, focusing on resource efficiency, material recovery, reuse, recycling, and waste minimisation across the construction value chain.
This study assessed the use of circular economy practices to manage C&D waste in Gauteng province of South Africa. A quantitative research approach was adopted using structured questionnaires distributed to consultants, contractors, and government practitioners operating in the built environment. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify the underlying constructs informing adoption of CE.
The results showed that the majority of construction professionals had moderate to high awareness of the CE principles. However, their understanding and application of advanced CE practices such as design for deconstruction, urban mining, circular business models, and the sharing economy were relatively poor. In contrast, adoption of low-level CE approaches, such as on-site sorting, recycling, and reuse, was more common. Key barriers to CE adoption included a lack of funds, inadequate policy implementation and enforcement, insufficient infrastructure and stakeholder knowledge, difficulties in segregating and recovering materials on site, unwillingness to change, and a lack of legislative support.
Despite these challenges, participants recognised several benefits of CE adoption, including reduced environmental impact, improved resource efficiency, and cost savings, amongst others. The results suggest that CE practices have the potential to transform C&D waste management in Gauteng if supported by stronger policies, increased awareness, capacity building, and investment in recycling infrastructure.
The study recommends expanding training and awareness programmes, developing clear CE-aligned regulations, providing incentives for recycling and reuse, and strengthening