Enhanced On-Site Waste Management of Plasterboard in Construction Works: A Case Study in Spain

Abstract

On-site management of construction waste commonly determines its destination. In the case of plasterboard (PB), on-site segregation becomes crucial for closed-loop recycling. However, PB is commonly mixed with other wastes in Spain. In this context, the involvement of stakeholders that can contribute to reversing this current situation is needed. This paper analyzes on-site waste management of PB in Spain through a pilot study of a construction site, with the main objective of identifying best practices to increase waste prevention, waste minimization, and the recyclability of the waste. On-site visits and structured interviews were conducted. The results show five management stages: PB distribution (I); PB installation (II); Construction waste storage at the installation area (III); PB waste segregation at the installation area (IV) and PB waste transfer to the PB container and storage (V). The proposed practices refer to each stage and include the merging of Stages III and IV. This measure would avoid the mixing of waste fractions in Stage III, maximizing the recyclability of PB. In addition, two requisites for achieving enhanced management are analyzed: 'Training and commitment' and 'fulfilling the requirements established by the current regulation'. The results show that foremen adopted a more pessimistic attitude than installers towards a joint commitment for waste management. Moreover, not all supervisors valued the importance of a site waste management plan, regulated by the Royal Decree 105/2008 in Spain.

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“…Project designers should spend some time on considering how to reduce waste generation through reasonable design schemes [11], use of secondary materials [12], as well as, standardization of construction materials, dimensional coordination and application of modern methods of construction [13].In turn, regarding onsite management activities, adherence to design documents, reduction of the number and extent of design changes [13] and more accurate estimation of materials required in each construction stage [14] have been pointed as practices with great potential to reduce waste generation. Onsite management of construction waste is also considered determinant for its destination [15]. Waste segregation [16] and maximization of onsite materials reuse [17,18], for example, are practices that contribute for reducing waste landfilling and material intensiveness in construction.…”

“…In turn, regarding onsite management activities, adherence to design documents, reduction of the number and extent of design changes [13] and more accurate estimation of materials required in each construction stage [14] have been pointed as practices with great potential to reduce waste generation. Onsite management of construction waste is also considered determinant for its destination [15]. Waste segregation [16] and maximization of onsite materials reuse [17,18], for example, are practices that contribute for reducing waste landfilling and material intensiveness in construction.…”