A supply chain analysis of Construction and Demolition waste streams in Perth, Western Australia

Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste makes up 50% of the total waste stream in Perth, Western Australia. This stream primarily consists of construction rubble, cement, bricks, and sand. The current recovery of these materials is considerably low when compared to international and interstate cases. These materials have a high recovery potential and can be a valuable resource to the construction industry to increase sustainability outcomes for the businesses and state targets. Savings for the use of recycled aggregates is primarily in a reduction of logistics costs along with lower embodied energy and emissions. A supply chain analysis was conducted to determine the current recycling practices, reporting structure, legislative components, how legislation affects the supply chain, its drivers and market for these recycled products. This study has found that the lack of reporting requirements, standards, data recording methodology and guidance from government bodies has resulted in an unstable market with little demand for these materials. Due to insufficient data, an extensive understanding of illegal dumping and waste generation in particular sectors were not possible. An estimated 3.3Mt of C&D waste is generated each year from commercial and residential construction, and demolition. A 35% recovery rate was calculated, lower than reported amounts and found that the waste stream is currently not large enough to allow the use in high-value applications. Up to 76% (2.5Mt) of C&D waste stream can be easily diverted into low value applications (e.g. road construction). To increase confidence in these products a new reporting structure and licencing requirements are recommended to allow better tracking of the materials throughout the supply chain