Construction Waste Management in Uae: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

In 2016, 9.68 million tons of solid waste were generated in Abu Dhabi alone where 67.8% was sent to dumpsites and landfills. In the same year, the construction and demolishing (C&D) industry produced 47% of the non-hazardous waste. This research aims to investigate the C&D waste management in UAE's construction industry, specifically in Abu Dhabi based on (a) official resources identifying authorized entities, regulations, implementation guidelines, and causes behind waste generation in UAE' C&D industry; and (b) unstructured interviews with construction professionals in Abu Dhabi revealing the waste management consideration process, enhancement methods, professionals' responsibilities and views toward the topic. While Abu Dhabi's sustainability framework (Estidama) requires a submittal of C&D Waste Management Plan (CDWMP) prior to any construction activity asking for a minimum of 30% waste diversion from landfills, relevant literature highlighted awareness as an effective factor in C&D management. Interviews for this study have shown that a lack of awareness is still affecting the C&D waste management and control negatively. Interviewees have also contributed in understanding the waste management consideration process, enhancement methods, professionals' responsibilities and views toward the topic highlighting that implementation practices seem to seek Estidama certification but not a sustainable environment.

Significant guidance for the effective management of construction waste in North Africa and the Middle East countries

“…The main pillars of waste management were examined to include legislative rules, environmental actions and economic incentives, while the barriers include resistance to the use of new construction methods, time limitations and high cost of investment in recycling and reusing [50] . The legislative rules in UAE require submitting waste management plan before construction activity and 30% diversion of waste into new products [51] , also the study revealed that most companies are looking to obtain Estidama certificate not to apply sustainability rules. Training of employees, good storage conditions and transportation of materials, integration between contractors and sub-contractors and use of prefabricated units can increase productivity and efficiency of construction industry [52] .…”

Waste Management Practices of Construction Companies at the Airport Hills and Sakumono Areas in Accra, Ghana

“…In order to understand how a majority of the construction companies were able to properly manage their material wastes, their educational/training levels were assessed. It is reported that the method of waste disposal practised by a construction company may depend on the level of education or training gained by its waste management team (Hittini and Shibeika, 2019;Hasmori et al, 2020).…”

“…the individual or a team may use (Hittini and Shibeika, 2019). However, the impact of education on the use of waste management plans was profound and this should be encouraged.…”