An In-Depth Case Study on the Residential Second Renovation Waste in Shenzhen, China

Abstract

AbstractRenovation waste is mainly generated from the first renovation and second renovation. Compared with the first renovation of new houses, the second renovation of old houses generates more waste which is more harmful to the environment. However, there has been little empirical research to focus on the second renovation waste of residential buildings. The primary purpose of this study was to estimate the residential second renovation waste generation rate (WGR) by tracking the whole process of the second renovation activities and conducting on-site waste sorting and weighing. Taking a private residence in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China as an example, the results reveal that the WGR of the residential second renovation waste is 143.19 kg/m2, and the WGRs of different waste materials are significantly different. The three largest waste streams of residential second renovation are: concrete, wood and tiles, which account for 76.10% of the total waste. Among the residential second renovation waste, 71.23% is inert waste and 28.77% is non-inert waste. Although the above research results are drawn from a single sample case and cannot be generalized, they could indeed lay a foundation for future related research, provide benchmark indicators and certain theoretical guidance for relevant professionals to implement renovation waste management strategies.KeywordsChinaSecond renovation wasteWaste generation rate (WGR)Private residence