An analysis of circular economy adaptation in construction and demolition waste management sector: a systematic literature review and conceptual implementation framework

Purpose Circular economy (CE) is a structured model of production and consumption involving sharing, leasing, reusing, recycling, repairing and refurbishing existing products or materials sustainably. Despite the numerous benefits of CE adoption, the construction and demolition (C&D) sector still struggles to comprehensively understand, integrate and adopt this approach. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of CE within the C&D sector and proposes a structured conceptual framework for an effective construction and demolition waste management (CDWM) program. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) framework to search for articles across three databases: Scopus, Web of Science and EBSCO. EndNote software and Excel spreadsheets were used to analyze and synthesize the articles up to 2024. A total of 102 articles were included in the study. Various key facets of the CE in CDWM, including barriers and mitigation actions, enablers, tools and techniques, benefits, strategies and frameworks, have been thoroughly reviewed and analyzed for the C&D sector to understand their nature and effectively adopt the CE approach in CDWM operations. Findings The findings provide a comprehensive analysis of different facets of CE in CDWM and a structured conceptual framework for the effective adoption of CE. This will contribute to improving the management of CDWM in the C&D sector. The outcomes offer a comprehensive knowledge base of CE in CDWM to managers, planners, decision-makers, stakeholders and researchers, enabling effective deployment. Practical implications This study offers a substantial knowledge base to researchers by examining various key facets of CE in CDWM, aiding further exploration of research in the same domain. Additionally, it assists C&D managers, planners, stakeholders and decision-makers by furnishing a structured conceptual framework of CE, thereby enhancing effective implementation. Furthermore, this study supports society by providing a pathway to improve C&D waste circularity through the execution of CE. Originality/value This study is the first to comprehensively review the various facets of CE from a CDWM perspective and to propose a structured conceptual framework for the effective adoption of CE in the C&D sector. Additionally, it not only advances theoretical knowledge of CE adoption in the CDWM field but also provides practical guidance to stakeholders on how to implement a comprehensive CE approach to enhance C&D waste circularity.