A study of urban recycling waste and economic investigation

In today's urbanized world, cities have become the primary centers of resource consumption and urban waste regeneration. However, with the acceleration of the urban regeneration process, the issue of managing construction and demolition (C&D) waste has become a major challenge in urban renewal. C&D waste is generated in large quantities worldwide, including in Türkiye. Although it has low environmental impact when compared to other wastes, it is characterized by its high volume and weight. The objective of this thesis is to manage urban regeneration wastes effectively to prevent resource wastage, protect the environment, and save money. The aim of the study involves creating a waste hierarchy, separating the wastes at their source through selective disposal, ensuring that the wastes are recovered and reused in a zero-waste cycle, and developing a management model with calculation cost tables for a small area. This study also includes a statistical assessment of urban regeneration in Türkiye, a strategy for the ministry and municipalities on how to manage C&D waste, and an economic analysis of recycled materials. In recent years, there has been an increase in awareness about sustainability and resource management, and Türkiye has started exploring the reuse of C&D waste materials for the circular economy and zero waste approach (reducing, reusing, and recycling). The study indicated that Türkiye has the potential to save significant amounts of money every year through recycling: up to 31% from concrete, 33% from reinforcing bar, 24% from glass, and 16% from timber. The current study provides guidance for C&D waste businesses, the recycling procedure, and the role of recycling waste in the circular economy. Keywords: Urban regeneration, construction, demolition, waste, recycling, economy