Construction Waste Management and Circular Economy in Urban Infrastructure: A Systematic Literature Review and Strategic Roadmap for Developing Economies

The management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) in urban infrastructure is vital for sustainability and the circular economy transition. This Systematic Literature Review analyzes the state of the art from 50 articles, identifying management practices, materials with high potential, and implementation challenges. Beyond synthesizing existing data, this study proposes a strategic roadmap to overcome structural bottlenecks in developing countries, where illegal disposal remains a low-cost alternative. Findings show a surge in publications, particularly regarding pavement applications. The study concludes that for effective circularity in emerging economies, it is crucial to transition from low-value reuse to upcycling through technical standardization and digital tracking. (P1) Effective management requires integrated systems from BIM-aided design to on-site segregation, supported by mobile recycling units. (P2) Recycled concrete and asphalt show the highest potential, though they remain confined to low-requirement applications. (P3) Systemic barriers, such as waste heterogeneity and weak enforcement, create bottlenecks that must be overcome through landfill taxes and digital manifests. Future research directions must prioritize digital circularity using drones and geoprocessing, advanced materials like carbon-negative components, and socio-economic models that integrate informal waste pickers into the formal supply chain, ensuring a transdisciplinary approach to sustainable infrastructure.