Construction and demolition waste: Economic and environmental impact analysis

Abstract

Construction and demolition building materials at the end of their original life-cycle are an increasingly important feedstock for the preparation of new building products. The re-use, recycling and recovery of building and demolition residue is essential for an industry striving for improved levels of efficiency. Waste-management must be examined in terms of environmental impact assessment, and economic cost, as well as social safeguard legislative considerations. Stakeholders in the construction industry require guidance to determine practical, yet environmentally conscience options to manage building and demolition arising. Product salvage, low-level recycling as bulk fill, high-level recycling, landfill and, where appropriate, incineration for energy recovery, represent general disposal routes. The work outlined here provides those charged with disposal responsibilities a means to cross-reference waste-management alternatives by cost, and environmental impact in easy to use units. An analysis of the waste-management options for one constituent of the construction demolition waste stream (plasterbaord) demonstrates the methodology developed to guide industry in its waste management decision making.