What exactly belongs to construction waste? How should construction waste generated in cities be standardised and disposed of?
Construction waste management is an important part of the construction of urban ecological civilisation and an important part of urban fine management. With the acceleration of urbanisation, the amount of construction waste generated has increased dramatically, according to statistics, China produces about 2 billion tons of construction waste annually, accounting for 40-60% of the total urban waste. If these wastes are not disposed of in a standardised manner, they will not only seriously pollute the environment, but also take up a large amount of land resources, affecting the sustainable development of the city.2025 In June 2025, the General Office of the State Council forwarded the Opinions of the Ministry of Housing, Urban and Rural Affairs and Construction on Further Strengthening the Management of Municipal Construction Waste (State Council Letter 〔2025〕 No. 57), which explicitly put forward the target of achieving an average utilization rate of 50% or more for resource utilisation in cities at prefecture level and above nationwide by 2027.2027 to reach the target of more than 50 per cent.
Advancing Urban Sustainability Through Construction Waste Management
Construction waste represents a major urban challenge, constituting 40%–60% of total municipal solid waste in China, with approximately 2 billion tons generated annually. Unregulated disposal leads to severe environmental pollution and occupies significant land resources. In response, national and local policies have been established to strengthen governance. The State Council’s 2025 directive set a target of achieving a 50% resource utilization rate for construction waste in all prefecture-level cities by 2027.
Legal Framework and Core Requirements
The regulatory framework is anchored by the Solid Waste Pollution Environment Prevention Lawand the Urban Construction Waste Management Regulations. These are supplemented by local policies that specify penalties for infractions such as illegal dumping, with fines ranging from ¥200 for individuals to ¥1 million for companies.
Waste Classification and Disposal Methods
Construction waste is classified into five categories: excavated soil, engineering mud, engineering waste, demolition waste, and decoration waste. Each type requires tailored disposal strategies, including recycling, backfilling, or safe landfilling. For decoration waste, separate storage, timely removal, and processing by licensed operators are mandatory.
Approval Process and Digital Innovation
Digital innovation plays a key role in monitoring. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai have implemented electronic waybill systems and online approval platforms to track the entire process—from generation to final disposal—ensuring transparency and compliance.
Residential and Commercial Decoration Waste Standards
Households and businesses must dispose of decoration waste separately from household garbage. Property management companies are responsible for providing covered storage and arranging timely collection by certified transporters.
Global and Domestic Recycling Success Stories
Internationally, Germany and Singapore have achieved recycling rates above 90% through stringent sorting protocols and supportive policies. In China, projects such as Beijing’s Yunlin Fangge Park demonstrate successful on-site recycling, where processed waste is repurposed for landscaping and construction.
Consequences of Illegal Disposal
Illegal disposal remains a serious concern, contributing to soil, water, and air pollution. Violators face heavy fines, and repeated offenses may lead to public interest litigation and credit system penalties.
Standard Disposal Procedures
The standardized process includes obtaining permits, categorizing waste, employing licensed transporters, selecting appropriate disposal methods, and maintaining digital records for oversight.
Oversight and Enforcement
Authorities emphasize source control, process supervision, and terminal treatment. The use of technologies like BIM, IoT, and GPS enables real-time monitoring of waste transportation and disposal.
Economic and Social Benefits of Recycling
Recycling construction waste reduces material costs, creates green jobs, and supports a circular economy. Recycled materials are increasingly used in municipal projects, lowering environmental impact and promoting sustainable development.
Conclusion
Effective construction waste management requires coordinated efforts across government, industry, and the public. Through robust regulation, technological integration, and public participation, cities can transform waste into resources and move toward sustainable urban development.