Confronting the low recycling rate of construction and demolition wastes (CDWs) and the improper disposal that can easily trigger environmental and safety risks, this study proposes a forward‒reverse synergy reclamation theory for CDWs, aiming to break the bottlenecks of overemphasizing end-of-pipe treatment while underestimating source reduction and market incentives. The study integrates a "forward" recycling approach centered on end-of-pipe disposal with a "reverse" recycling approach driven by source reduction and market demand, and expands the theoretical connotation that centers on dynamic feedback, interest coordination, and risk control. Furthermore, implementation pathways are designed across technical, policy, and market dimensions. Technically, it is proposed to optimize pretreatment technologies, build disassemblable, reconfigurable, and modular production lines, develop high-value-added recycled products, and expand hub-based disposal technologies. In terms of policies, the standards system should be improved to establish cross-regional mechanisms for incentive/penalty linkage, benefit distribution, and coordination. As for market pathways, it is suggested to establish green certification systems, innovate government‒market collaboration models, and incorporate production enterprises into the carbon trading system. Under this theoretical framework, the study proposes a positive resource recovery rate as a novel evaluation indicator. A case study of Shanghai demonstrates the empirical application of the indicator, revealing that the current positive resource recovery rate for CDWs in Shanghai is only 39.3%. The positive resource recovery rate is universally applicable and can serve as a methodological tool for systematically assessing the recycling effectiveness across different regions. The forward‒reverse synergy reclamation theory for CDWs provides a fundamental support for the construction of zero-waste cities and for achieving the interim target of a 55% CDW recycling rate by 2030, contributing to the systemic transformation in CDW recycling management.