Recycling and reusing of construction and demolition waste in Kathmandu Valley : challenges and opportunities for sustainable urban development
Acharya, Biplav (2026)
Kandidaatintyö
2026
School of Energy Systems, Ympäristötekniikka
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2026061773209
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2026061773209
Tiivistelmä
Construction and demolition waste (C&DW) is a major sustainability issue in fast-urbanising cities, where construction and infrastructure works generate heavy mineral debris and recoverable materials. In Kathmandu Valley, earthquake risk can produce sudden debris surges that strain logistics and governance, while informal reuse and weak monitoring leave flows poorly recorded.
This thesis uses a literature-based qualitative review to examine C&DW generation and handling in Kathmandu Valley, identify barriers to reuse and recycling, and propose practical opportunities for sustainable urban development.
Findings show dominance of concrete, brick/masonry, and soil/sand fractions, with higher salvage of metals and timber. Barriers include weak enforcement, limited processing, low market confidence, and data gaps; earthquake debris can overwhelm weak systems. Recommendations focus on enforceable sorting and approved destinations, technical pilots, and improved local measurement.
This thesis uses a literature-based qualitative review to examine C&DW generation and handling in Kathmandu Valley, identify barriers to reuse and recycling, and propose practical opportunities for sustainable urban development.
Findings show dominance of concrete, brick/masonry, and soil/sand fractions, with higher salvage of metals and timber. Barriers include weak enforcement, limited processing, low market confidence, and data gaps; earthquake debris can overwhelm weak systems. Recommendations focus on enforceable sorting and approved destinations, technical pilots, and improved local measurement.