Construction and demolition waste management in Jordan: a multifaceted perspective

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the multifaceted challenge of managing construction and demolition waste within the context of the Jordan construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Using data sourced through desk research, interviews and questionnaires, this study examines the principal causes of increased volumes of construction and demolition waste, as well as the obstacles to both developing and implementing better waste management strategies. Findings This study identifies multiple causes of issues related to waste management and barriers to developing and implementing solutions and concludes by recommending a holistic approach to this multifaceted problem. A lack of adequate construction waste management infrastructure, regarding both physical facilities and regulations, was highlighted as the key challenge. Social implications The accumulation of waste that results from construction and demolition activity, and activities characterized by unsustainable utilization of raw materials and inefficiency are a global issue. The challenge of effectively managing construction waste is importantly tied to factors including the availability of the necessary infrastructure; economic conditions; and the scarcity of skilled laborers, among others. Originality/value This study focuses on the Jordan construction industry, which is so far not very well researched. By building upon previous studies, this study supports further research to illuminate the causes of waste and the barriers to better management, an issue that is not only a pillar of progress at the country level but also key for a sustainable development in general.

Waste Generation Factors and Waste Minimisation in Construction

“…The waste type and quantity in the construction sector are highly influenced by construction size, type, and technology used [11] while it is generated in different amounts during each project stage [12]. Researchers have found that CW multiplies due to design issues and errors, improper scheduling, reworks, lack of skilled labours, poor project management, materials storage and handling, and ill management of waste [5,[12][13][14][15]. Table 1 summarises the most common categorisations of construction waste.…”

“…Design-related Design complexity (W1) [3,15] Design documents errors (W2) [3,5,13,16] Design changes during construction (W3) [3,5,15] Poor coordination & communication (W4) [3,5,[12][13][14] Procurement-related Ordering errors (W5) [3,13,15] Buy low-quality materials (W6) [3,13,15] Human-related Lack of experienced designers (W7) [3,13,15] Lack of skilled workers (W8) [3,5,[13][14][15] Handling and Storage On-site transportation methods (W9) [3,13,15] Inappropriate storage (W10) [13][14][15] Site Conditions Leftover materials on site (W11) [3,13,15] Poor site condition (W12) [3,5,13,15] Management-related Inaccurate planning and scheduling (W13) [3,12,13,15] Incapable site supervision (W14) [3,13...…”

“…Other sources define construction waste as the produced debris or discarded materials that occur during various construction activities and phases [2,3]. Either way, construction waste is a major contributor to waste generation, harming the planet and impacting society and the economy [4,5]. Consequently, it is widely acknowledged that addressing construction waste is a top priority issue.…”

“…Similarly, CW represents 30-40% of the total municipal solid waste in the US, UK, and Australia, making the construction sector a primary source of materials dumping and landfilling [8]. In other regions, such as Jordan and Malaysia, CW amounts to more than 30 million tons and 9 million tons of waste on an annual basis, respectively [5].…”