STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS AND INDUSTRY READINESS FOR RECYCLED CONCRETE AGGREGATE UTILISATION IN KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract Construction and demolition waste (CDW) presents a significant environmental and resource-management challenge for South Africa, where concrete rubble is commonly disposed of despite its potential recovery as recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). The utilisation of RCA can support circular construction by diverting waste from landfill, reducing demand for virgin aggregate and creating secondary-material markets; however, its adoption depends on material quality, technical specifications, institutional capability and market confidence. Recent literature identifies fragmented standards, limited policy support, weak market mechanisms and slow professional acceptance as persistent barriers to the implementation of recycled aggregate concrete. This review examines statutory requirements and industry readiness for RCA utilisation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It synthesises peer-reviewed literature published primarily between 2016 and 2026, together with national legislation, policy instruments, technical guidance and relevant industry documentation. The review evaluates four dimensions of readiness: regulatory and policy alignment; technical feasibility and quality assurance; supply-chain and market capability; and procurement and institutional support. The findings indicate that South Africa’s waste-management framework promotes waste minimisation, reuse, recycling and recovery, and recognises construction and demolition waste as a priority stream for resource recovery. Nevertheless, the practical uptake of RCA remains constrained by inconsistent source separation, variable feedstock quality, insufficient certification and testing arrangements, limited specifications for higher-value applications, uncertain supply, low client demand and procurement practices focused on lowest initial cost. Technical evidence indicates that RCA can be effectively used in selected applications when processing, grading, replacement ratios and quality assurance are aligned with the performance requirements of the intended use. The review proposes an implementation pathway for KwaZulu-Natal centred on clear application-specific specifications, material certification, demonstration projects, green public procurement, targeted professional training and coordinated relationships among municipalities, waste generators, recyclers, consultants and contractors. The article contributes to the literature on circular construction and provides a policy-to-practice framework for strengthening the productive reuse of concrete waste in South Africa.