THE MANAGEMENT OF CONCRETE AND DEMOLITION WASTE

Abstract

The construction industry is a large contributor to waste generation. With increasing disposal costs and the diminishing lifespan of the landfills at the rate of waste disposal such as that of Pulau Semakau landfill, there is an urgent need to minimize waste. The construction industry can achieve this through the implementation of a waste management plan on site where its objectives are waste minimization as well as to promote the reuse and recycling of waste. Concrete usually apportions for more than half of construction and demolition waste. Hence it will be worthwhile to discuss the ways to manage concrete waste. An efficient way would be the recycling of concrete, however the use of recycled concrete is still underutilized, as it is often only used in road sub-bases. More initiatives need to be done to encourage and facilitate the recycling of concrete and the reuse of waste materials. This can be achieved through changing the mindset of the construction industry and through appropriate incentives. Also, imposing guidelines for demolition work will help to facilitate the recycling of concrete waste.