The large quantity of construction & demolition waste
(C&DW) with rapid urbanization, growth of economy and
population, has placed great burden on the finite landfill space
and environment since the early 1980s. This paper outlines the
trend of C&DW generation and waste composition, as well as
describes current status of waste management in China. The
current recycling is restricted to those high scrap value recycling
materials like steel; other non-profitable materials like
aggregates will be sent to C&D landfills. Mixed collection,
manual separation and simple landfill without collection system
of leachate and odour are broadly applied in China. Then, some
suggestions are given for improving the C&DW management: (1)
Perfecting the polluter-pays system; (2) Specialization of C&DW
collection method; (3) Encouragement of new recycling
technologies and mature technology imported; (4) Implementing
an integrated disposal method; (5) Establishment of regulations
and improvement of supervision structure; (6) Enhancing
environmental awareness.