Examining the factors affecting construction waste management: a fuzzy-based multi-criteria decision-making approach

Purpose Construction and demolition activities generate substantial waste worldwide, resulting in environmental and health issues. While the circular economy (CE) offers a promising solution, the interrelationships among key factors influencing CE implementation in construction waste management (CWM) remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap using a semi-quantitative multi-criteria decision-making approach to support more effective CE adoption in CWM. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify key factors influencing the implementation of CE in CWM. It then applies the fuzzy DEMATEL method to analyse the interrelationships among these factors, drawing on input from experts across various geographical regions. Findings Analysing the results revealed six classes of factor groups and 14 sub-factors influencing CWM. The key factor groups are supervision, regulation, information technology, economy, knowledge and understanding, and infrastructure. Using the Fuzzy DEMATEL technique, it was revealed that the most influential sub-factors within each group, in order, are “selective supervision,” “vague regulations,” “lack of technological standards,” “transportation costs,” “worker knowledge and skills” and “efficient transportation networks.” Originality/value This study is the first attempt to illustrate the complex relationships among the factors affecting CWM in relevant literature using the fuzzy DEMATEL approach. It is the first to quantify the level of influence and establish cause-and-effect relationships among the factors affecting CE utilisation for CWM.