Explore potential barriers of applying circular economy in construction and demolition waste recycling

The circular economy (CE) aims to reduce resource input and systematically avoid or reduce waste. In addition, the CE is an essential framework for achieving sustainable development. Understanding the barriers to construction and demolition waste (C&DW) recycling development under the CE model can promote sustainable C&DW management. This study used social network analysis (SNA) to explore the potential barriers, extent and key stage of the transition to CE for C&DW recycling in Guangzhou, China. The results show the following: 1) The network was loose and did not show a clear trend towards a certain point, indicating that the development of current C&DW recycling shows a lack of effective management mechanisms to control and constrain the barrier factors. 2) The key barriers to the network include inadequate incentives from the government sector, inadequate supportive policies, insufficient publicity and education on the recycling of C&DW, and an inadequate legal framework for the management of C&DW. The key stage of the “control power” and “adjustment ability” is the promotion and application of recycled products. 3) The network had three core cluster positions. The authors proposed corresponding suggestions for the results, which will provide theoretical guidance for policy-making for the transition of recycling C&DW move to CE, enabling timely advancement of CE initiatives in the construction industry.