Critical construction waste minimization strategies for a circular economy in developing countries: A contractor’s perspective in China

Developing countries are often burdened by substantial construction waste (CW) generated through urbanization and urban renewal activities, highlighting the urgent need for effective CW minimization strategies to facilitate their transition towards a circular economy. Although previous studies have examined similar topics at various stages of construction projects from different perspectives, a comprehensive study integrating all critical stages from a contractor’s perspective is still lacking. To fill this gap, this study aims to identify critical CW minimization strategies in developing countries, with a holistic concentration on the planning, design, and construction stages, using China as a case study. æThe research began by compiling a comprehensive list of CW minimization strategies tailored to developing countries, based on an extensive desktop survey and a focus group interview, resulting in 32 strategies. A subsequent questionnaire survey with leading CW management experts and rigorous statistical analyses have identified 9 strategies as critical for minimizing CW in developing countries. Finally, through exploratory factor analysis, seven fundamental principles for CW minimization have been established: “Planning for CW Minimization” for the planning stage; “Optimized Design of Building Structures,” “Optimization of Design Process,” and “Stakeholders’ Efforts in the Design Stage” for the design stage; and “Optimization of Construction Techniques,” “Stakeholders’ Efforts in the Construction Stage,” and “Efforts on CW Disposal” for the construction stage. This study offers valuable insights for stakeholders in developing countries, empowering them to effectively minimize CW through targeted strategies, facilitating the transition to a circular economy and supporting the realization of the "zero-waste city" goal.