Waste Management in Construction
Introduction to waste management in construction
Waste management is the process of managing waste materials. In the field of construction, waste management refers to the collection, storage, transportation, treatment, recycling, reuse, recovery, and disposal of construction wastes. Construction wastes are any materials produced during the building process which include demolition debris, excavated material, and leftover materials. These wastes should handle properly to avoid any harmful effects to the environment.
Types of waste generated in construction
Hazardous Wastes – Hazardous wastes are substances that have harmful effects on human health or the environment if released into the air, water, land, or atmosphere. Examples of hazardous wastes include asbestos, lead-based paints, mercury, radioactive materials, solvents, and toxic chemicals.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) – Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a term used to describe the solid waste generated by municipalities. MSW includes household waste, commercial and institutional waste, and industrial waste.
Demolition Debris – Demolition debris is the waste left over after buildings are demolished. It includes bricks, mortar, wood, metal, plaster, insulation, drywall, electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures, furniture, carpeting, and other items.
Excavation – Excavation is the removal of earth, rocks, or other materials to make way for construction projects. Excavation creates a hole in the ground called an excavation site. Excavation sites are graded to allow for proper drainage and to protect workers from falling objects.
Methods used to manage construction waste
Recycling – Recycling is the process of collecting recyclable materials and reusing them again. Recycling also prevents pollution and conserves energy. There are many different types of recycling, including paper, glass, plastic, aluminium, steel, and concrete.
Landfill – Landfills are places where solid waste is deposited. Solid waste includes garbage, trash, sewage sludge, industrial waste, and municipal solid waste (MSW). Landfills may be lined with impermeable layers to prevent leaching of pollutants into groundwater.
Waste-to-energy – Waste-to-energy is a method of converting garbage into useful energy. This includes thermal power plants, which burn garbage to create steam, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plants, which convert garbage into liquid fuels.
Benefits of waste management in construction
Environmental Benefits – The environmental benefits of waste management in construction are many. One benefit is that it reduces pollution. Pollution occurs when harmful substances enter our air, water, or land. By reducing pollution, we reduce the amount of toxins entering our bodies and the environment.
Health Benefits – Construction workers who handle construction waste face risks to their health. Workers may inhale particles in the air, get cut while working with sharp objects, or suffer from repetitive strain injuries. Economic Benefits – By recycling construction waste, we can save money. Recycling construction waste saves money because we don’t need to buy new materials.
Conclusion
Waste management will protect our environment. As human beings we know the importance of unpolluted environment with fresh air, fresh water and etc. Every human has a duty to take care of his surrounding. Waste management in construction is a great contribution to a healthy life style.