Construction and Demolition Wastes:
A Brief Sustainable Management Perspective
In the United States, construction and demolition waste contribute a significant waste stream. According to EPA waste characterization report, in 2014 C&D waste generated 534 million tons of waste. This amount of waste when put into perspective translates to double the amount of waste generated from US municipal solid wastes. Demolition accounted for over 90% of the 534 million tons of C&D waste, while the remaining less than 10% came from construction.
In the course of construction and demolition, there are levels of waste materials generated at each phase. Economic and engineering activities such as construction, demolition and decommissioning of buildings, facilities, roads and bridges generate significant amount of waste materials thus the need to manage these materials sustainably. The application of sustainability principles and practices recognize reducing, reusing and recycling materials. This will minimize or eliminate the need for extraction and exploitation of new raw materials.
The EPA defines construction and demolition (C&D) materials as those “generated when new buildings and civil engineering structures are built and when existing building and civil engineering structures are renovated or demolished; including deconstruction activities’’. Construction and demolition waste come in different sizes. However, they are usually heavy materials. Waste materials from construction and demolition include concrete, bricks, metals, building wood, drywall, tiles, doors, windows, glass, plaster, plumbing fixtures, plastics, asphalt, rocks, stones, trees, stumps, etc.
It is important to sustainably manage waste and materials generated from building construction, road construction and other civil engineering activities. Deliberate efforts need to be made to reduce materials disposed in landfills by harnessing value, recycling or reusing materials. Those engaged in construction and demolition such as builders, roofers, architects, contractors and contract employers need to adopt sustainable management practices and policies that promote environmental education for those handling construction materials.
Adopting and practicing sustainable waste management has several benefits for the environment, public health and business profitability. These include reducing impact on extraction and consumption of scarce new raw materials or natural resources such as timber, wood, metals, etc. It encourages environmental and corporate social responsibility which collectively has significant positive impact for communities. The recycling and rebuying of materials creates additional income, revenue, employment and empowers people. Reduction of materials used for construction translates to savings and more working capital for any business.
In conclusion, it would take commitment, deliberate and collective efforts to practice sustainable waste management. It is equally important to train, re-train, unlearn, learn and re-learn smart and dynamic approaches as well as customize solutions to specific cases and situations, in order to achieve the optimal result.