Recycling from Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste: Exploring the Scope of Circular Management in Constructing Slum Dwellings of Dhaka

The Construction Sector in Bangladesh has accelerated over the last few decades, particularly since Dhaka, the nation's capital, has been the focal point for major physical development-related activities such as the construction of new satellite towns, housing, apartments, and infrastructures. Dhaka's population is growing rapidly as a consequence of development initiatives, which led to a dramatic rise in the city's urbanization and a corresponding rise in the demand for housing facilities. Currently, the trend toward constructing new high-rise structures is continuously emerging, while existing low-rise structures are being demolished in and around Dhaka. Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, in huge quantities, was, therefore, produced as a byproduct, then added to the waste stream, and ultimately headed for the landfills. Through content analysis of regulatory documents, conducting a questionnaire survey with slum dwellers, and direct observations, this research aims to explore the scopes and preferences of slum dwellers to use recycled C&D waste as construction products for slum houses in Dhaka. This study provides a substantial contribution to the concept of C&D waste reduction by proposing an alternate application for the construction or renovation of slum dwellings, as well as introducing novel approaches to circular waste management and improving the effectiveness of existing resource management practices.