Quantification of construction and demolition waste: A measure toward effective modeling

Abstract

The lack of appropriate management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) is being increasingly associated with ecosystem damage and environmental impacts in the proximity of open dumping areas. Yet, the development and optimization of management models require accurate prediction of generation rates and waste composition, often lacking in developing countries. As such, this study aims at spatially quantifying CDW and analyzing its dynamics in Lebanon. The study developed a model for CDW classified quantification in the six governorates of Lebanon. The outcome can be used as the main input for modeling management strategies and designing processing facilities for CDW at the national and/or governorate scales. The construction waste and demolition waste were assessed separately. Daily construction waste generation ranges between 717 and 6353 in the Bekaa and Mount Lebanon governorates, respectively. The annual growth rate varied between 5.6 and 13%, with an average of 10–11% in most of the country. As to demolition waste, a total of 810 tons is generated daily in Lebanon.