Analyzing the efficiency levels of construction and demolition waste management methods on different construction sites in Kampala district

Abstract

Owing to the increasing C&DW volumes, shortages of landfills and long term adverse environmental, economic and social impacts of the disposed C&DW, sustainable C&DW management is becoming increasingly essential to protect public health and natural ecosystems. This therefore makes C&DW management an essential on different construction sites. This research was aimed at analyzing the efficiency levels of the C&DW management approaches. It also aimed at identifying the most efficient method to use, the commonly used method/approach and also identify the hazards of mismanagement of C&DW. A number of 40 construction professionals were sampled and interacted with on matters regarding waste management where 42.5% were site engineers. Forty five percent of construction professionals paid average attention to waste management. This was not sufficient enough, thus a need by KCCA to pay close attention to the monitoring and disposal of hazardous wastes originating from construction sites. A variety of C&DW management approaches such as reusing, recycling, landfilling, burning among others were used to manage this waste on the different sites in Kampala district. 47.5% of the sampled sites were using reusing approach. 25% of these sites had timber, broken bricks/blocks/tiles/glass and concrete/cement sand mortar as part of their C&DW. Construction professionals should emphasize the use of safety gear not only during construction but also when managing C&DW so as to avoid accidents. The government should introduce specific legislation governing the handling of C&DW and follow up with strict monitoring to ensure compliance.