An Overview of Construction Waste Management

Abstract

The need of construction projects is increasing day by day in developing countries to improve and build new infrastructures. Due to massive procurement of materials on these projects, significant amount of waste is generated. This waste has substantial impacts not only on project cost but also on the environment.  So waste measurement and its source of generation would be the first initiative to control these wastes. In this regard, around sixty (60) papers were reviewed to determine the most wasteful materials based on past papers literature. Further, to determine the barriers in waste management, frequency analysis was performed. Based on these analysis it was found that design changes, procurement problems, theft and vandalism, etc. are major sources of waste generation. Further, out of twenty five (25) materials, most wasteful were wood, steel, bricks, concrete, tiles, sand, cement and ceiling boards. Moreover, major barriers in waste management are inappropriate regulations, financial issues, lack of standards and lack of awareness programs. So to promote suitable construction, waste management practices must be followed, in this regard more studies are required to focus in developing a comprehensive waste management framework.