The Role of Government in Circular Economy for Timber Waste Management on Construction Sites: A Review

Timber waste from construction is a serious environmental problem that arises from disposal practices, including landfilling and incineration. While reuse and recycling can be opportunities, timber waste has not been optimally managed due to limited awareness, weak markets, and inadequate support systems. To overcome these challenges, government involvement by creating policies, incentives, and facilities is important in enabling sustainable waste management. The aim of this paper is to examine the role of government in implementing circular economy (CE) principles for timber waste management on construction sites. To achieve this, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted, focusing on studies published between 2019 and 2024. The selected articles were analysed to identify common themes and strategies related to both CE practices and the role of government. The review found that CE can significantly reduce timber waste through practices such as recycling, reuse, and material recovery, but its success heavily depends on strong government support through regulations, incentives, and education. The findings highlight the need for a more structured policy approach, public-private partnerships, and increased awareness to promote circular timber management. This study concludes that it is by government action is key to enabling the transition toward sustainable construction practices through effective timber waste management.