Sustainable Waste Management Practices During Construction Projects

Abstract

Waste generation rates remain a major problem in South Africa, especially when compared to waste recovery rates. This is largely attributed to inadequate approaches to waste management within several industries; the construction industry is one of those. This research adds knowledge to addressing and achieving sustainable waste management within the construction industry. The study investigates prevailing waste management practices among design team members and construction firms in the City of Port Elizabeth with the aim of improving prevailing waste management practices and reducing the contribution of the construction industry to South Africa’s existing waste problem. To achieve the aim and objectives of the study, a comprehensive survey of the waste management literature relating to the causes / sources of C&D waste, diversion methods, illegal dumping, and the causes of cost overruns forms part of the study. A quantitative approach was adopted, and questionnaires were distributed to construction professionals comprising construction project managers, construction managers, site managers, quantity surveyors, and architects within Port Elizabeth. A response rate of 44% was achieved. Some key findings include the lack of waste management policy and plans in construction firms, the prevalence of landfilling as the main means of disposal, poor waste and material handling affecting the cost of building projects, and the general positive attitude and behaviours of construction professionals towards illegal dumping and the environment. Sustainable waste management requires co-operation and commitment of all construction professionals from the design, planning, and management stages of a project onwards, and a top-down commitment from construction firms.