Waste Management Practices in Construction Sites

Politically, governments are committed to the principles of sustainable development. Waste management practices can reinforce sustainable development because they assist in resource and energy preservation, cost reduction, complying with environmental legislation, etc.Many of the construction companies are reluctant to put practical waste minimization measures in place because the up-front costs can appear to offset the savings. However this paper shows that the key parties involved in construction projects can make financial savings and environmental benefits by implementing waste minimization initiatives, while ignoring waste minimization can reduce their profits, and can cost them in many different, often indirect, ways. The objectives of this paper are to demonstrate the advantages of waste management practices; and to present its basic principles and some practical guidelines for use in the construction industry. The results of the study shows that the most important step in waste management is waste reducing followed by reusing, recycling, composting, burning and land filling. Moreover commitment of all corporate levels, especially the highest level, training and awareness are essential for being successful.

Keywords:

construction waste management , sustainable construction , recycling and reclaimed materials , waste minimization , site management , project management , sustainable resource use