Chapter 8 - Sustainability of Construction and Demolition Waste Management

Abstract

Construction and demolition (C&D) wastes are considered the major wastes that are produced by the construction and demolition industries. Construction and demolition waste may include packaging material and land-clearing debris. As a result of disposing of such wastes, there is a minute impact to the environment. First, it is unsightly and can lead to huge economic losses and the second impact is on the groundwater quality. This chapter discusses the sustainability of construction and demolition waste and explains the relevant guidelines to owners and contractors. This includes three case studies. The first case study uses the 7Rs rule as a guideline for handling construction waste in a manner that applies “cradle-to-cradle” concepts. The second case study demonstrates the amount of money that is typically spent on getting rid of construction waste. The third and final case study demonstrates the advantages and benefits of implementing “cradle-to-cradle” concepts on construction waste.