<p>India’s rapidly expanding construction sector generates substantial material waste, creating environmental and economic challenges that are often intensified by weak on-site waste management (WM) practices. This study investigates effective approaches for minimising material waste in building construction projects using a mixed-methods research design. The research integrates a systematic literature review, expert interviews, and a large-scale questionnaire survey to identify and prioritise waste minimisation strategies. From an initial set of 38 practices, 15 key strategies were shortlisted through descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Their practical effectiveness was then evaluated through longitudinal monitoring of material waste across seven construction stages at four active residential sites. The results indicate a consistent reduction in material wastage following the implementation of targeted interventions. By triangulating expert insights, industry perceptions, and empirical site-based evidence, this study moves beyond perception-based assessments and provides empirical validation of waste minimisation strategies under real construction conditions in a developing-country context. The findings demonstrate that sustained waste reduction depends on an integrated approach combining human behaviour, managerial control, and proactive planning from early project stages. The study offers practical guidance for improving material efficiency, reducing costs, and advancing sustainable construction practices in India.</p>