Analyzing mixed construction and demolition waste in material recovery facilities: Evolution, challenges, and applications of computer vision and deep learning

Langley, Adrian, Lonergan, Matthew, Huang, Tao, and Rahimi Azghadi, Mostafa (2025) Analyzing mixed construction and demolition waste in material recovery facilities: Evolution, challenges, and applications of computer vision and deep learning. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 217. 108218.

[img]
Preview
PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (7MB) | Preview
View at Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2025...
 
3
1


Abstract

Improving the automatic and timely recognition of construction and demolition waste composition is crucial for enhancing business returns, economic outcomes and sustainability. While deep learning models show promise in recognizing and classifying homogenous materials, the current literature lacks research assessing their performance for mixed, contaminated material in commercial material recycling facility settings. Despite the increasing numbers of deep learning models and datasets generated in this area, the sub-domain of deep learning analysis of construction and demolition waste piles remains underexplored. To address this gap, recent deep learning algorithms and techniques were explored. This review examines the progression in datasets, sensors and the evolution from object detection towards real-time segmentation models. It also synthesizes research from the past five years on deep learning for construction and demolition waste management, highlighting recent advancements while acknowledging limitations that hinder widespread commercial adoption. The analysis underscores the critical requirement for diverse and high-fidelity datasets, advanced sensor technologies, and robust algorithmic frameworks to facilitate the effective integration of deep learning methodologies into construction and demolition waste management systems. This integration is envisioned to contribute significantly towards the advancement of a more sustainable and circular economic model.

Item ID: 86887
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1879-0658
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Circular economy, Computer vision, Construction and demolition waste, Deep learning
Copyright Information: © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Date Deposited: 13 Jan 2026 01:02
FoR Codes: 46 INFORMATION AND COMPUTING SCIENCES > 4603 Computer vision and multimedia computation > 460304 Computer vision @ 100%
SEO Codes: 22 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES > 2204 Information systems, technologies and services > 220407 Human-computer interaction @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 1
Last 12 Months: 1
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page