Improving construction and demolition waste recycling in Ireland

Abstract

This dissertation investigated how construction and demolition waste recycling could be advanced in Ireland. Interviews and surveys were carried out with key professionals within the construction and demolition industry and a literature review was undertaken. The primary research tool used was a survey of Construction Industry Federation members including builders, civil engineers and specialist contractors. The aim of this survey was to determine the extent of waste recycling taking place on building sites in Ireland, to establish if recommended instruments were being used and to question how the Construction Industry Federation members believe construction and demolition waste recycling could be driven in Ireland. The establishment of a National Waste Management Authority is recommended as a result of this research. This authority would prepare a single national waste management plan, co-ordinate waste management infrastructure and advise the Irish Government on regulatory controls such as landfill bans and on financial controls such as raw material taxes and recycled material subsidies. In the short term, it is recommended that Waste Management Plans for construction and demolition projects be made statutory and that a tax be placed on virgin aggregate.