Assessment of Construction and Demolition Waste Management in India
S.Dhinu Priya1, D.Ambika2, V.Nandhini3, V.Santha Rubini4 and G.Poovizhi5 PG Scholars1,3,4,5, Assistant Professor2
1[email protected], 2[email protected],
3[email protected], 4[email protected],
Abstract
The construction and demolition waste is one of the main components of total waste generated in India. It has a higher environmental impact, such as air, water, and soil pollution. It also causes fire by evaporation of hazardous solvent materials. There are various techniques available for waste disposal. However, the most commonly used techniques are landfill and fly-tipping. The main reasons for not adopting sustainable methods are higher recycling cum transportation cost, a minimum number of recycling stations, unaware of waste disposal methods, unavailable of the market for recycles, and reusing waste. These issues can be overcome by improving the market for recycled materials, increasing the number of waste recycling stations, providing incentives, imposing a heavy penalty for those who don't follow the law, and creating awareness among the company and public. In this paper, the construction and demolition waste disposal techniques are studied. The questionnaire survey is conducted to get the details of waste management in various companies. With that data, suggestions are given to remove barriers in waste management.
Keywords: Construction and demolition waste, generation, fly-tipping, waste management
1. Introduction
In India, the solid waste generation is around 960 million tonnes annually. The generation waste varies from 0.2 kg/day to 0.8 kg/day. Every year waste generation is increased by up to 5% per year. Municipal solid waste generation is 127,486 TPD in which 89,334 TPD is collected, and 15,881 TPD is recycled. Around 80% of waste is dumped in landfills. Among this, only 10 % of the waste is treated and recycled [1]. The remaining wastes are dumped in the landfill without any treatment. Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) is one of the main components of solid waste. Improper disposal of construction and demolition waste leads to resource depletion, deterioration of land, pollution of air, water and noise, and discharge of toxic waste. There are a lot of barriers to achieving proper CDW management, disposal, and recycling. It includes a lack of coordination, collaboration, and waste management policies [2]. An effective construction and demolition waste management approach is required to ensure proper recycling and disposal
The construction sector in India is the third-largest construction sector across the world. It contributes around 7% to India's GDP. In the 12th five year plan (2012 to 2017), the construction industry contributed around 52.31 billion INR equally to the buildings and infrastructure. The construction sector in India is increased and improved by rapid urbanization. Currently, 31.2% of the total population lives in towns and cities across the country. It is estimated that the population will increase
more than 10 million in megacities and more than 4 million people in cities. This trend in population growth demands buildings.
Construction and demolition waste generation in India is around 12 to 14.7 million tonnes annually (as per TIFAC estimation). An average of 300 -500 kg per m2 of waste is generated after demolition, 40-60 kg per m2 of waste is generated during new construction, and 40-50 kg per m2 of waste is generated during the renovation. By material flow analysis, it is estimated that 150 million tonnes of CDW have generated annually [3]. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) calculated that waste generation is around 530 million tonnes annually. The waste generations across the world and in Indian cities are shown in Figure 1 and 2. CDW is generally dumped and disposed of in landfills. The recycling rate is around 5%, which can be improved by adopting the 3R principle [4,5]. We can reduce CDW by implementing waste management practices. By following waste management practice, we can reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency [6].
Strategies for waste reduction are waste management plan and construction methods in planning and designing stage, awareness and awards and regulations enhancement during procurement phase and effective management during the stages of construction and demolition [7-10].
Figure 1. Waste Generation across the World
Figure 2. CDW Generation in Indian Cities
2. Methodology
The methodology followed in this paper is identifying the composition and generation of waste. The survey by direct observation and through a questionnaire survey is conducted to collect the details of waste and techniques adopted to reduce waste
generation. From this, we can identify the barriers to the successful recycling of waste.
The data is analyzed, and suitable suggestions are given for effective waste management.
The sequence of work carried to complete the project includes a study on CDW, techniques incorporated for CDW disposal, analysis on the cost of CDW, identifying the practical method, and giving suggestions and recommendations.
3. Composition and Generation of CDW
The composition of CDW in India is soil, sand, gravel, concrete blocks, broken bricks, broken tiles, electrical, pipe fittings, and Packing materials. The quantity of soil, sand, and gravel generated is around 4.20 to 5.14 million tonnes per annum, bricks and masonry waste is generated around 3.60 to 4.40 million tonnes per annum, concrete waste is generated around 2.40 to 3.67 million tonnes per annum, metal waste generated is around 0.60 to 0.73 million tonnes per annum, bitumen waste generated is around 0.25 to 0.30 million tonnes per annum, wood waste generated is around 0.25 to 0.30 million tonnes per annum. Others are approximately 0.10 to 0.15 million tonnes per annum. The composition of CDW in India is shown in Figure 3. There are various causes of waste generation. The waste generation factors are divided into subgroups, where the factors causing waste generation are categorized. Table 1 shows waste generation factors.
Table 1. Waste Generation Factors
Group Factors
Design and contract documents
Faults in contract documents
Complexity and defects in construction detailing Numerous and frequent change in design Selection of inferior quality materials
Purchasing
Procurement of below standard materials Errors during shipping or supply
Over allocation
Errors in quantity takeoff Handling and
storage
Deterioration during transportation and storage Inappropriate storing methods and area
Improper material supply Site
management and
supervision
Workers mistake due to lack of knowledge Lack of communication and supervision Use of inappropriate materials and methods Unavailability of equipments
An inappropriate waste management plan External
External weather condition Theft or vandalism
Packing waste
Figure 3. CDW Composition in India
4. Techniques incorporated for waste disposal
CDW is generally more toxic than domestic waste, and it is bulky and heavy. The waste disposal techniques generally adopted are landfill, fly-tipping, waste recycling, waste recovery, and incineration. The landfill is the process of dumping waste in predetermined pits or trench, where valuable materials can be recovered from dumped waste. It is the main method adopted for CDW management [11]. Fly-tipping is also known as illegal dumping or fly dumping. The waste generated is disposed of in nearby abandoned land, waterlogged areas, mixing with organic waste, burning, and concealing the waste forest or woody areas. Waste recycling is the process of converting older used material into new material. By increasing the recycling rate, not only the recycling economic value increase, but also it reduces land use and environmental impacts [12]. Recycling of CDW is an alternate solution to unsustainable practices like landfill and fly-tipping [13]. Waste reusing is the process of using valuable materials again for another purpose. The waste is converted into energy in the waste incineration process. The combustible materials are burned, and the energy is utilized for other purposes.
5. Factors influencing effective waste management
There are various factors influencing waste management, the factors are effective waste management, organization support, employee commitment, technological factors, cost factors, environmental factors, socio-economic factors and legal framework.
5.1. Effective waste management
An effective waste management factor includes the formation of a waste management plan, appointment of coordinators, and providing training to the employees. Here type and quantities of C&D waste generated for each work and whether coordination is established between the stakeholders of the project are also taken into consideration. It explains how waste management can be done effectively.
5.2. Organization support
Under these factors, organizations support for providing space for waste sorting and storing, providing training to workers, to monitor and support waste management and appointing technical staff for management. It explains how the organization can support the employees to minimize waste generation and to improve waste management.
5.3. Employee commitment
Here the factors improving waste management are taken under the employee’s point of view. The employee mind set and their contribution to waste management are considered.
It includes employee responsibilities, work progress, and physiological factors that are taken into account.
5.4. Technological factors
The technological factors include facilities provided for recycling and reuse. The factors affecting recycling and why landfill and open dumping are followed are identified.
From these, effective waste management technologies and what are the current techniques followed in various companies are found with these factors.
5.5. Cost factors
The cost of recycling, landfill, open dumping, and their transportation and operating cost is identified. The labor and maintenance cost and how to reduce the cost of the building is determined. How to reduce the recycling cost and to prevent illegal dumping and landfill is found.
5.6. Environmental factors
The environmental factors include external climate factors, ecological impacts of C&D waste on air, water, and soil are also studied. Their influence on waste management is also identified.
5.7. Socio-economic factors
The socio-economic factors include the utilization of recycled or reused materials from the secondary market, and their percentage of utilization in the company is studied. The company's steps to improve waste management by providing incentives and promotions and their effectiveness on employees are studied.
5.8. Legal framework
The legal framework includes what the steps are taken to reduce waste generation, and is there any rules followed in the company to is also identified are. The effectiveness of the regulations in the company and what are the steps to be followed as per the law is also taken into account.
6. Data collection
In this paper, the data are collected by direct observation and through a questionnaire survey. Around 5 companies are visited, and data are collected through a direct survey.
The data collected is given below in table 2. The wastes generated in the companies are shown in figure 4 to 7.
Figure 4. Concrete Waste
Figure 5. Steel Waste
Figure 6. Wood Waste
Figure 7. Cardboards and Coverings Table 2. Data Collected from Companies Company Construction
company 1
Construction company 2
Construction company 3
Construction company 4
Construction company 5 Company
turnover
40 lakhs per annum
50 lakhs per annum
2.5 crore per annum
300 crores per annum
20 lakhs per annum
Type of work
Residential buildings
Residential and
commercial buildings
Residential and
commercial buildings
Commercial complexes, airport construction and high rise buildings
TNSAMB buildings
Steel/Metal
Sold to scrap vendor Rs. 20 per kg
Sold to scrap vendor Rs. 17 per kg
Sold to scrap vendor Rs. 18 per kg
Sold to scrap vendor Rs. 22 per kg
Sent to municipal office Concrete
Dumped / used for leveling
Dumped in nearby areas
Dumped in nearby areas
Crushed and used for flooring
Backfill / dumped in nearby areas Wood Sold to
vendors
Sold to vendors
Dumped in nearby areas
Dumped in nearby areas
Sold to vendors Bricks &
Masonry
Used for landfill
Backfill and leveling
Used for weathering course
-
Backfill / dumped in nearby areas Excavated
soil
Leveling of ground
Leveling of ground
Leveling of
ground - Leveling of
ground Tiles/Marbl
es/Granite cutting
Dumped in nearby areas
Dumped in nearby areas
Dumped in
nearby areas - Dumped in
nearby areas
Covers &
Plastics
Dumped in nearby areas
Sold as scrap for Rs. 1.50 per kg
Cement bags and
cardboards are sold and other plastics are dumped
Dumped in nearby areas
Cardboards are sold to scrap vendor / remaining dumped
7. Data Analysis
The data collected through the questionnaire survey is analyzed. The questionnaire is distributed through google forms, and the response is collected. From the collected response, construction and demolition waste management practice followed in various companies is identified. The data analysis is shown in figure 8 to 15.
7.1. Questionnaire Survey
The questionnaire was framed relating to factors influencing the effective management of C&D waste, and the study was carried out. Responses were collected through google forms. Respondents were asked to rate their waste management practices according to the respective rating scale.
Figure 8. Organization Support
Figure 9. Effective Waste Management
Figure 10. Technological Factors
Figure 11. Cost Factors
Figure 12. Environmental Factors
Figure 13. Socio-Economic Factors
Figure 14. Legal Framework
Figure 15. Employee Commitment
8. Results
From the data collected, we found that for organization support 41.40% of people agree that their organization support and monitors waste management. 36.20% of people agree that their organization provides space for waste reduction. 29.30% of people agree that their organization supervises them to reduce waste generation. 36.20% of people strongly disagree that their company appoints technical staff for waste management. 29.30% of people disagree that their organization provides incentives to an employee who manages waste.
From the data collected, we found that for effective waste management 29.30% of people disagree that the waste management plan is formed within the organization.
34.50% of people disagree that the coordinator is appointed for waste management.
37.90% of people agree that training is given for all employees for waste minimization.
50% of people highly agree that coordination is established among the stakeholders of the project. 34.50% of people disagree that the type and qualities of CDW are estimated for each activity.
From the data collected, we found that for technological factors 46.60% of people highly agree that the utilization of reusable materials from older buildings. 50% of people highly agree that onsite waste sorting is done at the time of waste generation. 48.3% of people highly disagree that mobile crushers are available to recycle inert waste. 46.60% of people highly agree that the wastes are disposed of in the landfill. 46.60% of people highly agree that valuable products are recycled and reused. 60.30% of people highly agree that the wastes are separated before sending it to the recycling station.
From the data collected, we found that for cost factors 55.2% of people highly agree that the cost of recycling is higher compared to landfill and open dumping. 53.4% of people highly agree that transportation cost to the recycling station is higher compared to landfill and open dumping. 53.4% of people highly agree that waste separation cost is high for recycling waste. 53.4% of people highly agree that the maintenance cost and labor cost is high for recycling waste materials. 58.6% of people highly agree that the cost of the building is reduced by using recycled material.
From the data collected, we found that for environmental factors 50% of people highly agree that the rate of pollution is high in land and water due to open dumping. 56.9% of people highly agree that air pollution due to the burning of waste is more. 50% of people highly agree that fire occurs by evaporation of hazardous solvent materials. 56.9% of people highly agree that environmental effects are minimized by recycling of waste.
From the data collected, we found that for socio-economic factors 50% of people highly disagree that the market for secondary materials is easily available. 41.4% of people highly agree that the company image is improved by waste management. 31% of people highly disagree that promotions are given to employees for waste management practices.
From the data collected, we found that for legal framework 39.7% of people highly disagree that the legal framework is easy to implement. 37.9% of people highly disagree that it is appropriate. 48.3% of people agree that it is financially profitable. 29.3% of people agree that it is effective.
From the data collected, we found that 48.3% of people highly agree that they contribute to the betterment of the organization. 48.3% of people highly agree that they focus on work progress than waste management. 32.8% of people agree that they directly report to the superior regarding waste generation. 32.8% of people disagree that their company supports them in waste management practices. 51.7% of people highly agree that they feel responsible for waste generation and management. 41.4% of people highly agree that they choose to recycle over open dumping and landfill.
9. Discussion
It is found that only very few organizations monitor and provide support, incentives, and supervise the employees. Only a few companies are taking steps for effective management through the formation of a waste management plan, appointing coordinators, and providing training to the employees. Though everyone knows about the positive effects of recycling and reuse, most of the company chooses landfill and fly-tipping for waste disposal. Cost factors play an important role in waste management. The cost of operation, maintenance, transportation, and recycling cost is higher compared to landfill and fly-tipping. All the employees are aware of environmental impacts from C&D waste disposal; however, the company doesn't take appropriate steps to manage waste. The legal framework in various companies is not so effective in waste management. Most of the employees are found to be committed to the work, and they feel responsible for waste generation and management.
From the above study, the most common method adopted for waste disposal is illegal dumping. Most companies prefer to select this method even knowing their effects because of its problem-free disposal. The wastes are disposed of in nearby abandoned roads, forest areas, and water areas, also mixed and concealed under municipal waste. The reasons for illegal dumping are lack of waste treatment facilities, lack of market for waste materials, unavailability of codes for recycled and reused materials, reduced cost for disposal compared with other methods, and lack of strong punishments and penalties.
10. Conclusion
With the above results, we find that employees are aware of waste generation and management. However, the organization, in most cases, does not give priority to waste management. In most cases, a separate committee or policy for waste minimization and
reusing, the organization's negligence makes them follow landfill and illegal dumping.
Active involvement of organization management in waste management practices can have a positive effect on both the environment and the company. The waste management can be improved by adopting sustainable building practices, adequate market availability for secondary materials, providing incentives to promote recycling, increasing penalties, providing adequate space for storing and transporting, providing adequate recycling stations, easy approval for buildings using recycled materials and finally providing proper education and training about sustainable waste management practices and its advantages.
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Authors
S.Dhinu Priya, doing her M.E Construction Engineering and Management in the Department of Civil Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Erode, Tamilnadu, India. Email:
D.Ambika, working as a assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Kongu Engineering College, Affiliated to Anna University, Erode, Tamilnadu, India. Email: [email protected].
Author’s picture should be in Author’s picture
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V.Nandhini, doing her M.E Construction Engineering and Management in the Department of Civil Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Erode, Tamilnadu, India. Email:
V.Santha Rubini, doing her M.E Construction Engineering and Management in the Department of Civil Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Erode, Tamilnadu, India. Email:
G.Poovizhi, doing her M.E Construction Engineering and Management in the Department of Civil Engineering, Kongu Engineering College, Erode, Tamilnadu, India. Email:
