Substitution of Recycled Aggregates and Social Acceptance: Public Perceptions and Willingness to Pay in Korea

This study conducted a nationwide survey in Korea with 700 respondents to assess public perceptions of recycled aggregates in construction and determine their Willingness to Pay (WTP) for substituting natural aggregates. The results revealed a notable reluctance among respondents, with only 40% expressing willingness to use quality-assured recycled aggregates in construction projects. Furthermore, 65% of respondents reported a WTP of zero, underscoring the limited social acceptance and awareness of recycled aggregates' environmental benefits. On average, respondents were willing to pay KRW 2,468.0 (USD 2.1) annually or KRW 6,420.2 (USD 5.4) per m³, which is lower than the environmental benefits identified in previous studies. A positive correlation was observed between favorable perceptions of recycled aggregates and higher WTP, indicating that improving public awareness and trust could enhance acceptance and demand. These findings emphasize the need for robust policy measures, such as promoting selective dismantling practices, enhancing certification systems, and implementing targeted public awareness campaigns, to address consumer concerns and foster broader adoption of recycled aggregates.