Construction and demolition (C&D) waste refers to the solid waste generated during the construction, renovation, repair, and demolition of buildings, roads, bridges, flyovers, and other infrastructure projects. It is a heterogeneous category of waste consisting largely of inert and non-biodegradable materials, produced at different stages of the built environment lifecycle. With rapid urbanization, infrastructure expansion, and real estate development, C&D waste has emerged as one of the fastest-growing waste streams, posing significant challenges for urban local bodies, environmental regulators, and the construction industry. C&D waste originates from a wide range of activities such as site clearance, excavation, construction of new structures, repair and remodeling of existing buildings, and demolition of old or unsafe structures. The nature and quantity of waste depend on factors like the type of construction, materials used, scale of the project, construction techniques, and the age and design of demolished structures. In developing countries, including India, unplanned urban growth and informal construction further contribute to the volume and mismanagement of such waste. The major constituents of C&D waste include concrete, bricks, masonry, tiles, soil, sand, gravel, stones, asphalt, wood, metals, glass, plastics, gypsum, insulation materials, and bituminous materials. Among these, concrete, bricks, and soil account for the largest share by volume and weight. While most components are inert in nature, certain fractions such as paints, solvents, adhesives, treated wood, asbestos-containing materials, and contaminated soil may pose environmental and health risks if not handled properly. Traditionally, construction and demolition waste was considered low-risk due to its inert character and was often dumped in low-lying areas, open lands, roadsides, riverbanks, or used indiscriminately for landfilling and leveling purposes. However, such practices have led to serious problems including blockage of drainage systems, encroachment on public land, degradation of natural habitats, dust pollution, visual blight, and increased burden on municipal