Analysis of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of construction waste and management practices

This study aims to analyze the significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts of construction waste and to indicate management strategies. An extensive review of the literature and interviews with construction experts were used to identify waste impact factors. Then a questionnaire survey was conducted based on a five-point Likert scale and the data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. The result showed that construction waste becomes a challenge for almost 95.71% of ongoing construction projects. However, only 57.14% of the construction companies have recorded and measured the volume of material waste. From purchased materials, 6-10% is recorded as waste that lead to project cost overrun. In addition, there is no professional assigned to handle waste issues in 75.71% of construction companies. The study also indicates that project cost overrun, pollution of the environment, reduction in profit and failure of construction firms, excessive consumption of raw materials, and public health and safety risks are ranked as the five major impacts of construction waste, respectively. Employing a waste management officer, using prefabricated or off-site components, implementing strong onsite management practices, reusing and recycling materials leftover on the sites, and practicing green building codes and specifications are measures devised to mitigate construction waste and its impacts.