Engineering Building and Construction

Recycled Aggregate Concrete Performance

Description

This cluster of papers focuses on the influence of recycled aggregate concrete on construction, covering topics such as mechanical behavior, durability performance, sustainability, waste reduction, and environmental impact assessment. It explores the properties, production processes, and management of construction waste to promote sustainable practices in the construction industry.

Keywords

Recycled Aggregate; Concrete Properties; Construction Waste Management; Durability Performance; Mechanical Behavior; Sustainability in Construction; Environmental Impact Assessment; Waste Reduction; Microstructural Analysis; High Performance Concrete

A significant part of waste generation is caused by the building and construction industry. Reduction of construction waste is therefore a major topic of the integrated chain management policy of … A significant part of waste generation is caused by the building and construction industry. Reduction of construction waste is therefore a major topic of the integrated chain management policy of the Dutch government. Construction companies benefit from reduced waste generation by lower deposition costs and lower purchasing costs of virgin materials. An overview is presented of the main policy areas of the Dutch government concerning sustainability. Reducing the generation of construction waste fits into this policy. Subsequently, an overview is presented from construction-waste data available in literature. Then, the waste generation during several Dutch residential construction projects has been quantified and analyzed in detail. It follows that about 1–10% by weight of the purchased construction materials, depending on the material, leave the site as waste. Furthermore, the analyses identify additional sources of waste generation as those already known, such as a lack of attention paid to the sizes of the used products, lack of influence of contractors, and lack of knowledge about construction during design activities.
This study is conducted (1) to examine the influence of recycled aggregate on interfacial transition zone (ITZ), strength, chloride penetration, and carbonation of concrete, and (2) to propose a method … This study is conducted (1) to examine the influence of recycled aggregate on interfacial transition zone (ITZ), strength, chloride penetration, and carbonation of concrete, and (2) to propose a method for improving strength, chloride penetration, and carbonation resistances of concrete using recycled aggregates. Five types of recycled aggregate, and four levels of water-binder ratio are used in this study. The recycled aggregate concrete is evaluated according to compressive strength, tensile strength, chloride penetration depth, and carbonation depth. The characteristics of ITZs in recycled aggregate concrete are also measured and used to explain the influence of recycled aggregate on the mentioned properties. Additionally, the double-mixing method for improving strength, chloride penetration, and carbonation resistances of recycled aggregate concrete is evaluated in this study.
(1999). An Introduction to Reliability and Maintainability Engineering. Journal of Quality Technology: Vol. 31, No. 4, pp. 464-466. (1999). An Introduction to Reliability and Maintainability Engineering. Journal of Quality Technology: Vol. 31, No. 4, pp. 464-466.
This new RILEM report contains state-of-the-art reviews on three topics: recycling of demolished concrete, recycling of masonry rubble and localized cutting by blasting of concrete. It has been compiled by … This new RILEM report contains state-of-the-art reviews on three topics: recycling of demolished concrete, recycling of masonry rubble and localized cutting by blasting of concrete. It has been compiled by an international RILEM Committee and draws on research and practical experience worldwide.
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This study systematically investigates the utilization of marble industry waste—waste marble powder (WMP) as partial cement replacement and waste marble aggregates (WMA) as partial fine aggregate replacement—in self-compacting concrete (SCC). … This study systematically investigates the utilization of marble industry waste—waste marble powder (WMP) as partial cement replacement and waste marble aggregates (WMA) as partial fine aggregate replacement—in self-compacting concrete (SCC). A detailed experimental program evaluated the effects of various replacement levels (5%, 10%, and 20% for WMP; 20%, 30%, and 40% for WMA) on compressive strength and durability, particularly resistance to aggressive sulfuric acid environments. Results indicated that a 5% WMP replacement increased compressive strength by 4.9%, attributed primarily to the filler effect, whereas higher levels (10–20%) led to strength reductions due to limited pozzolanic activity and cement dilution. In contrast, WMA replacement consistently enhanced strength (maximum increase of 11.5% at 30% substitution) due to improved particle packing and aggregate-paste interface densification. Durability tests revealed significantly reduced compressive strength losses and mass loss in marble-containing mixtures compared to control samples, with optimal acid resistance observed at 20% WMP and 40% WMA replacements. A comprehensive life cycle assessment demonstrated notable reductions in environmental impacts, including up to 20% decreases in Global Warming Potential (GWP) at 20% WMP replacement. A desirability-based eco-cost-mechanical optimization—simultaneously integrating mechanical strength, environmental indicators, and production cost—identified the 10% WMP substitution mix as the most sustainable option, achieving optimal balance among key performance criteria. These findings underscore the significant potential for marble waste reuse in SCC, promoting environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and improved concrete durability in chemically aggressive environments.
Facing sand and gravel shortages, construction waste accumulation, and the “double carbon” goals, improving the performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and utilizing mineral waste slag are key to the … Facing sand and gravel shortages, construction waste accumulation, and the “double carbon” goals, improving the performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and utilizing mineral waste slag are key to the development of green, low-carbon building materials. To enhance the mechanical performance of RAC and facilitate the sustainable utilization of mineral waste, this study innovatively incorporated copper slag (CS), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and basalt fiber (BF) into RAC. The modified RAC’s compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths were systematically investigated. Experimental results indicated that incorporating appropriate amounts of CS or GGBS as single admixtures could effectively enhance the mechanical properties of RAC, with 20% (w) GGBS showing the most pronounced improvement. Compared with RAC, its 28 d compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength were improved by 21.3%, 9.7% and 8.1%, respectively. As opposed to single admixture, 10% CS + 10% GGBS admixture can further improve the mechanical properties of recycled concrete. Compared with RAC, its 28 d compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength were improved by 25.6%, 29.7%, and 16.6%. The study also showed that 0.2% BF admixed on top of 10% CS + 10% GGBS could still significantly improve the mechanical properties of recycled concrete, and its 28 d compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength were improved by 31.3%, 35.9%, and 31.2%, compared with RAC, respectively. By XRF, SEM, and EDS techniques, the underlying mechanisms governing the mechanical behavior of RAC were elucidated from the microscale perspective of basalt fiber and industrial waste residues. These findings provide a solid theoretical foundation and a viable technical pathway for the widespread application of recycled aggregate concrete in civil engineering projects.
Este proyecto incorpora la ingeniería mecatrónica en la mejora del proceso industrial de reciclaje de neumáticos, proponiendo una solución automatizada que optimice la eficiencia operativa y reduzca la intervención manual. … Este proyecto incorpora la ingeniería mecatrónica en la mejora del proceso industrial de reciclaje de neumáticos, proponiendo una solución automatizada que optimice la eficiencia operativa y reduzca la intervención manual. A partir de una revisión del proceso tradicional, se identificaron áreas de oportunidad para integrar tecnologías de simulación, control y diseño asistido por computadora. Para ello, se emplearon herramientas como Factory I/O, AutoCAD y LabVIEW, lo que permitió desarrollar un sistema mecatrónico híbrido, capaz de pasar de una simulación digital a una implementación física funcional. El diseño contempla la interacción entre componentes mecánicos y electrónicos para automatizar tareas específicas del reciclaje, considerando criterios como simplicidad, costo, eficiencia energética y seguridad operativa. La propuesta se orienta a generar un prototipo replicable y de fácil mantenimiento, que pueda integrarse en entornos industriales con requerimientos tecnológicos básicos. Se detallan las ventajas esperadas en términos de productividad, reducción de errores humanos y mejora en la trazabilidad del proceso. Asimismo, se analizan los componentes utilizados y su viabilidad técnica, destacando el valor del enfoque interdisciplinario de la mecatrónica. El proyecto demuestra que es posible alcanzar soluciones efectivas mediante sistemas simples, pero bien diseñados, reafirmando el potencial innovador de la ingeniería aplicada al sector ambiental e industrial.
Abstract The substitution of natural aggregates in concrete with recycled aggregates from construction waste makes ecological sense, is politically desired, and is increasingly being incorporated into technical regulations. Recycled concrete … Abstract The substitution of natural aggregates in concrete with recycled aggregates from construction waste makes ecological sense, is politically desired, and is increasingly being incorporated into technical regulations. Recycled concrete (RC) aggregates are also increasingly used for steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) in the future. However, it is unclear from previous studies whether and how the RC aggregates affect the performance of the SFRC. This study addresses this subject and presents 10 test series in which the steel fiber content, the fraction of recycled aggregates (RC‐fraction), and the type of RC aggregates were systematically varied. The fresh concrete properties and the main mechanical properties, compressive strength in cubes and cylinders, Young's modulus, splitting tensile strength, and residual flexural tensile strength in three‐point flexure test, were investigated. To categorize and interpret the results, the amount and orientation of steel fibers in the crack surfaces of the flexure tests were determined using a proven opto‐analytical method. It is shown that the use of high‐quality recycled aggregates from railway sleepers without significant impurities results in mechanical properties similar to the reference concrete without recycled aggregates. At a RC‐fraction of 45 vol%, the residual flexural tensile strength is even higher than in the reference concrete, but this can be explained by an increased number of steel fibers in the failure section. The use of RC material made from mineral construction waste, including crushed bricks and impurities, leads to a reduction in mechanical properties of up to 20%. One exception is the residual flexural tensile strength with an RC‐fraction of 45 vol%, which also increases here. This is also due to an increased number of steel fibers compared to the reference specimens.
Low-carbon concrete has an essential role in the reduction of the environmental impact of the building industry. Ordinary concrete manufacture is a significant contributor of carbon emissions due to high … Low-carbon concrete has an essential role in the reduction of the environmental impact of the building industry. Ordinary concrete manufacture is a significant contributor of carbon emissions due to high amount of energy that is needed in the processing of cement. The use of industrial by-products and recycled materials will offer a green solution to this problem. The research aims at exploring the use of silica fume (SF), waste glass powder (GP), and recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) as partial cement and natural aggregate replacements in developing eco-friendly concrete with reduced carbon footprint. A total of 16 concrete mixes (K0-K15) were designated with a mix ratio of 1:1:2 and a water-cement ratio of 0.45. Workability, compressive strength and tensile strength of different mixtures were tested. It was found that SF and RCA reduced workability because of the higher water demand, whereas GP increased it at low replacement levels, but the opposite happened at high GP contents e.g., in mix C30R100 (34 mm slump). The strength was significantly lowered by the porosity and poor bonding of RCA, but to a certain extent, SF countered this impact via pozzolanic responses. As an example, Mix C20R50 (20% cement replacement, 50% RCA) had about 85% of the strength of the control mix (C0) with 90 mm slump and 28-day compressive strength of 39.6 MPa, demonstrating that a reasonable trade-off between performance and sustainability is possible. A right combination of these materials may facilitate sustainability without compromising the structural performance. Mix C20R50 attained the best balance and showed better strength retention and reasonable workability without chemical admixtures. The study contributes to low-carbon concrete technologies by promoting the use of industrial byproducts, and recycled materials in construction.
Fly ash is a solid waste from coal-fired power plants, and its massive discharge puts pressure on the ecological environment. Using fly ash in concrete can improve strength and reduce … Fly ash is a solid waste from coal-fired power plants, and its massive discharge puts pressure on the ecological environment. Using fly ash in concrete can improve strength and reduce cement usage, but its early strength is relatively low. By grinding to produce ultrafine fly ash (particle size<10 μ m or specific surface area>600 m ²/kg), its activity can be significantly enhanced, the compactness and interfacial structure of concrete can be improved, and it has a certain water reducing effect. At the same time, the recycling of construction waste has also received much attention. Recycled aggregates replace natural aggregates to produce recycled concrete, which is both environmentally friendly and resource efficient. Research has shown that a moderate amount of fly ash (20%~40%) can improve the later strength and workability of concrete, but excessive dosage can lead to a decrease in performance. Ultra fine fly ash further optimizes the performance of concrete due to its finer particle size and higher activity. For example, adding 10% to 30% ultrafine fly ash can significantly improve compressive strength and enhance fluidity. In addition, adding ultra-fine fly ash to recycled concrete can delay slump loss and improve resistance to sulfate attack, but the carbonation resistance will decrease with increasing fly ash content. This review is systematically based on existing knowledge, discussing fly ash concrete and fly ash recycled concrete, and then focusing on the more advanced ultra-fine fly ash recycled cement, providing a comprehensive overview of its evolution and benefits.
Sadanand G. Joshi , K. Snehal , Bibhuti Bhusan Das +1 more | Iranian Journal of Science and Technology Transactions of Civil Engineering
This study investigates the combined use of waste glass cullet (WGC) and snail shell powder (SSP) as a sustainable binary cementitious system to enhance the mechanical performance and durability of … This study investigates the combined use of waste glass cullet (WGC) and snail shell powder (SSP) as a sustainable binary cementitious system to enhance the mechanical performance and durability of concrete, particularly for rigid pavement applications. Nine concrete mixes were formulated: a control mix, four mixes with 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% WGC as partial cement replacement, and four corresponding mixes with 1% SSP addition. Slump, compressive strength, and flexural strength were evaluated at various curing ages. Results showed that while WGC reduced workability due to its angular morphology (slump decreased from 30 mm to 20 mm at 20% WGC), the inclusion of SSP slightly mitigated this reduction (21 mm at 20% WGC + 1% SSP). At 28 days, compressive strength increased from 40.0 MPa (control) to 45.0 MPa with 20% WGC and further to 48.0 MPa with the addition of SSP. Flexural strength also improved from 7.0 MPa (control) to 7.8 MPa with both WGC and SSP. These improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and supported by correlation analysis, which revealed a strong inverse relationship between WGC content and slump (r = −0.97) and strong positive correlations between early and later-age strength. Microstructural analyses (SEM/EDX) confirmed enhanced matrix densification and pozzolanic activity. The findings demonstrate that up to 20% WGC with 1% SSP not only enhances strength development but also provides a viable, low-cost, and eco-friendly alternative for producing durable, load-bearing, and sustainable concrete for rigid pavements and infrastructure applications. This approach supports circular economic principles by valorizing industrial and biogenic waste streams in civil construction.
A significant quantity of waste concrete is produced each year due to the demand for concrete manufacturing, which drives the yearly need for raw materials. Recycled aggregate concrete has become … A significant quantity of waste concrete is produced each year due to the demand for concrete manufacturing, which drives the yearly need for raw materials. Recycled aggregate concrete has become a viable remedy as a result. It is vulnerable to breaking and has less strength since the hardened mortar is affixed to natural aggregates, which presents a problem. The goal of this research is to employ random forests (RF) frameworks to project the split tensile strength (STS) of fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). The RF framework uses the Chimp optimization algorithm (CHOA) and artificial hummingbird optimization (ARHA) to tweak hyperparameters and select the best-performing combination. A data set including 257 data points and 10 input variables was taken from peer-reviewed published research and arbitrarily split into three phases: testing, validating, and training. The RF-AR approach exhibited high reliability, with R2 of 0.9942, 0.9824, and 0.9913 throughout the learning, validating, and assessment stages. RF-AR had higher results than RF-CH, with R2 of 0.9796, 0.9566, and 0.9694, respectively. Considering the values of the Theil inequality coefficient (TIC), RF-AR depicted the lowest values at 0.0128, 0.0213, and 0.0171 concerning 0.0241, 0.0333, and 0.0318 related to RF-CH for the train, validation as well as test phases, in that order. The RF-AR strategy performed better, even if the RF-CH method was dependable in forecasting the STS of fiber-reinforced RAC, according to the previously stated reasoning and the data.
This study investigates the fuel consumption, energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions associated with different pavement foundation structures in road construction projects in Palangka Raya, Indonesia. Using field data gathered … This study investigates the fuel consumption, energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions associated with different pavement foundation structures in road construction projects in Palangka Raya, Indonesia. Using field data gathered at two study locations, the study contrasts the environmental impact of Cement-Treated Recycled Base (CTRB) with that of conventional Sub-Base and Base layers. Palangka Raya’s tropical climate offers difficulties for construction equipment operations, given its proximity to the equator and constant high temperatures. The study used a quantitative method to gather primary data on heavy equipment fuel consumption and verify it against theoretical calculations using known formulas and emission factors. Results show that CTRB works exhibit significantly higher fuel consumption (12.23 L/m3), energy consumption (440.13 MJ/m3), and carbon emissions (32.65 kgCO2/m3) compared to conventional Sub-Base (1.47 L/m3, 52.73 MJ/m3, 3.91 kgCO2/m3) and Base layers (1.53 L/m3, 54.96 MJ/m3, 4.08 kgCO2/m3). With variations between field data and calculations ranging from−3.22% to 7.88%, the study revealed that Palangka Raya’s tropical climate equipment regularly consumed 0.48–0.49 L/h more fuel than model projections. This result emphasizes the trade-off between the long-term durability of CTRB and its higher environmental impact during construction, especially in hot tropical areas. Emphasizing the need for a thorough assessment of construction techniques, considering both immediate environmental effects and long-term sustainability elements, the study finds that choosing pavement foundation structures significantly affects energy efficiency and carbon emissions in road building. Particularly in tropical areas, the study offers insightful analysis of environmentally responsible building practices and promotes sustainable methods in civil engineering.
The morphology of the aggregates can have a significant effect on the behavior of fresh and hardened concrete. In this study the morphological characteristics (roundness, aspect and fractal dimension) of … The morphology of the aggregates can have a significant effect on the behavior of fresh and hardened concrete. In this study the morphological characteristics (roundness, aspect and fractal dimension) of coarse aggregated (crushed and natural gravel) were obtained throught binary images processed with the Image-PRO software. The morphological properties were correlated with mechanical behavior of hardened (compressive strength) and fresh concrete (slump). The results shows a trend to lower values of roundness, aspect and fractal dimension for natural gravel particles, suggesting smoother contours and lower elongated, comparing with higher values of crushed gravel. Additionally, the shape of coarse aggregated significantly affected the mechanical behavior of hardened concrete, because the concrete cylinders elaborated with same particles (natural gravel) have a trend to higher values and lower standard deviation of compressive strength.
Ziyang Zhu | Academic Journal of Science and Technology
Geopolymer recycled concrete is a kind of green building materials, which is of great significance to reduce the waste of resources and protect the environment. This paper discusses the basic … Geopolymer recycled concrete is a kind of green building materials, which is of great significance to reduce the waste of resources and protect the environment. This paper discusses the basic mechanical properties and durability of geopolymer recycled concrete materials, and reviews the compressive strength, modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio of the basic mechanical properties, the carbonation resistance, acid erosion resistance, frost resistance and the performance of fibre geopolymer recycled concrete components in the durability properties. The study shows that by changing the ratio of the amount of oxide material, the excitation conditions, the curing mechanism, the substitution rate of recycled aggregate, the volume of fibre admixture and the water glass modulus, the geopolymer concrete is able to outperform the ordinary silicate concrete in terms of the basic mechanical properties and the durability performance. However, in practical engineering applications, further research is needed to improve its material properties.
Concrete and other cementitious materials are among the most widely used construction materials worldwide. However, their high embodied carbon emissions and energy-intensive manufacturing processes pose significant environmental challenges. This study … Concrete and other cementitious materials are among the most widely used construction materials worldwide. However, their high embodied carbon emissions and energy-intensive manufacturing processes pose significant environmental challenges. This study assesses the carbon emissions, cost implications, and circularity potential of a novel concrete mix, Tex-crete, which incorporates recycled textile and cardboard fibres as sustainable alternatives to conventional reinforcement and cementitious materials in concrete. The study employs a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to compare carbon emissions and costs across different mix designs, using two case studies: a temporary construction site compound and a footpath. Experimental results indicate that Tex-crete, particularly the KFT mix design (including 2.5% textile fibres with treated kraft fibres), achieves comparable compressive and tensile strength to traditional concrete while demonstrating a net reduction in both carbon emissions (3.38%) and production costs (2.56%). A newly introduced circularity index (CI) further evaluated the reuse, repair, and recycling potential of the novel mix, revealing that KFT exhibits the highest circularity score (0.44). Parametric analysis using Monte Carlo simulations highlighted transportation distance and energy consumption during fibre processing as key factors influencing emissions. The findings provide valuable insights for industry stakeholders seeking sustainable concrete solutions aligned with circular economy principles, offering an optimized balance between environmental performance, structural integrity, and cost-effectiveness.
El presente artículo explora una alternativa sustentable para la gestión de residuos de construcción y demolición (RCD) mediante su suprarreciclaje en zeolitas sintéticas. Estos residuos, usualmente considerados inertes, pueden transformarse … El presente artículo explora una alternativa sustentable para la gestión de residuos de construcción y demolición (RCD) mediante su suprarreciclaje en zeolitas sintéticas. Estos residuos, usualmente considerados inertes, pueden transformarse en materiales con alto valor agregado, gracias a sus contenidos de sílice y alúmina, precursores clave en la síntesis zeolítica. Se describen los principales métodos de obtención de zeolitas, con énfasis en la síntesis hidrotermal, que permite cristalizar fases zeolíticas a partir de soluciones alcalinas bajo condiciones controladas de temperatura y presión. Se presentan casos de éxito reportados en la literatura en los que los RCD han sido utilizados para sintetizar analcima y otras zeolitas, capaces de adsorber metales pesados como el plomo o uranio, así como contaminantes orgánicos, entre otras aplicaciones. Esta línea de investigación se enmarca en los principios de la economía circular, al reducir la disposición en vertederos y promover la reutilización de materiales. Las zeolitas obtenidas tienen aplicaciones en catálisis, tratamiento de aguas y captura de gases, lo que refuerza su valor ambiental e industrial. Así, se propone un modelo innovador y sostenible para valorizar residuos comunes y abundantes.
K. C. Sahu | INTERANTIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
The increasing generation of construction and demolition waste, combined with the rapid depletion of natural resources, has made it imperative to explore sustainable alternatives in the construction industry. One such … The increasing generation of construction and demolition waste, combined with the rapid depletion of natural resources, has made it imperative to explore sustainable alternatives in the construction industry. One such alternative is the use of Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) in the production of structural concrete. This research, titled "Waste to Strength: Investigating Recycled Concrete Aggregates for Sustainable Construction", aims to assess the viability of using recycled aggregates as a partial or full replacement for natural coarse aggregates in M30 grade concrete. While recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) has been studied extensively for its compressive strength, limited attention has been given to its long-term durability, especially in reinforced concrete structures. This study focuses on both the mechanical and durability performance of RAC. The primary objectives include evaluating the compressive strength of M30 grade concrete made with recycled aggregates and assessing its resistance to chloride ion penetration through the Rapid Chloride Permeability Test (RCPT). The study emphasizes the dual benefits of using RCA reducing environmental degradation caused by demolition waste and conserving natural aggregates while ensuring that the structural integrity of the concrete remains within acceptable limits. The findings contribute to the growing need for sustainable construction materials and promote the use of recycled waste in load-bearing applications. Keywords: Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA), Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC), Demolition Waste, Sustainable Construction, Compressive Strength, Durability, Chloride Penetration, M30 Grade Concrete, Environmental Impact, Circular Economy in Construction.
In South Africa, inefficient resource utilization in waste management results in a preference for disposal and landfilling as the lowest tier within the waste management hierarchy. Through a methodical approach … In South Africa, inefficient resource utilization in waste management results in a preference for disposal and landfilling as the lowest tier within the waste management hierarchy. Through a methodical approach to waste management system performance evaluation, using sustainability indicators, this study assists the construction industry to precisely define the current state of its waste management practice. This study conducted a comprehensive literature analysis to choose metrics that meet sustainability standards. To illustrate sustainability considerations across all lifetime dimensions, a table with twenty-two indicators was created. To enable sustainable measurement utilizing the triple-line dimension, a model-material flow system with a life-cycle mapping was modified. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to extract data. At each phase of the building lifespan, the sustainability performance measurement was carried out and validated. The findings indicate that sustainability was quantified at 0.5150 during the planning and design phase, with 0.4125 interpreted as below-average performance score during the initiation and feasibility testing phase, and with 0.500 during procurement, 0.5137 during construction and execution phases, 0.5250 during performance monitoring, 0.5350 during post-construction, and 0.5050 during renovation all having an average performance score. The waste management systems’ overall cumulative sustainability performance was determined to be 0.5009. The overall performance of the current waste management systems is satisfactory, but require improvement. Therefore, the government can use this sustainability appraisal to adopt a top-level policy for a sustainable waste industry in South Africa as part of its growing pursuit of sustainable development.