Social and Policy Dimensions of Waste Minimisation and Waste Management – Construction and Demolition Waste

OBJECTIVES

Investigate how circular economy principles can reduce construction and demolition (C&D) waste

Explore international examples to assess their relevance to Australian markets

Identify practical, ready-to-implement circular economy solutions for trial with local councils

Develop policies and guidelines based on research findings to support circular practices in the construction and demolition sector

Team

Ralph Horne

Lead Researcher

Bhavna Middha

Research Fellow

Sara Pishgahi

PhD

Partners

City of Kingston

Hobsons Bay City Council

Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV)

Progress

SUMMARY

This project, led by RMIT in collaboration with Deakin University, focuses on tackling construction and demolition waste through a circular economy lens. The City of Kingston and the City of Hobsons Bay are the key industry partners.

The project aims to go beyond recycling and landfill diversion by shining a light on reuse—an area often overlooked in Australia’s building and construction sectors. Despite being recognised as a top strategy for waste reduction, reuse practices are under utilised. The research is also examining how digital procurement systems may unintentionally exclude reused materials and what’s needed to build reliable reuse supply chains.

Data gathering from industry professionals and government bodies will contribute to developing policies and guidelines for managing C&D waste more sustainably and could serve as a model for other waste streams.

OPPORTUNITIES

Research grants available for waste projects

Collaboration opportunities with government bodies, LGAs and academic institutions to create real-world impact

Shape new policies and guidelines to support reuse in construction and demolition

Support a shift toward reuse becoming a standard practice in the Australian building industry

AS SEEN AT

The 35th International Geographical Congress 2024 (Dublin) – Ralph Horne presentation

The Royal Geographical Society Annual Meeting (London)- Ralph Horne and Bhavna Middha presentation

Material Cycles and Waste Management (hybrid)Sara Pishgahi, Ralph Horne and Bhavna Middha presentation

Urban Future Symposium – Sara Pishgahi presentation

TREMS End of Year Event: Apartment waste stakeholder workshop – Ralph Horne, Bhavna Middha, Kajsa Lundberg, Sara Pishgahi presentation

AS SEEN IN

Will Victoria’s new recycling proposal be a step forward? Top outlets: News.com.au, The Conversation, ABC radio, 3AW, Radio 6PR Perth