The assessment of construction and demolition wastes arising on selected case study construction projects in the Galway region

Abstract

This study examines the volumes and types of construction and demolition wastes generated on selected case study construction projects in the Galway Region. Construction and demolition waste is currently one of the most significant problems facing the Irish construction industry. The volume of construction and demolition (C &D) waste generated in Ireland has continually increased since the publication of the first C & D waste estimate by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 1995. The most recent C & D waste volume published by the EPA in 2001 estimated that 3.6 million tonnes of C & D waste was generated in that year. There is a lack of Irish sourced C & D waste statistics for the estimation of C & D waste volumes on a national basis, and within construction companies. Construction waste volumes are estimated by the EPA using waste data from Irish waste management facilities, and C & D waste rates from the United States. The EPA has highlighted the need for extensive C & D waste audits to generate C & D waste statistics and waste rates specific to the Irish construction industry. This is the first long term C & D waste assessment that includes an extensive analysis of the C & D waste management techniques used on selected case study construction projects. This research has provided previously unavailable C & D waste rates and waste data for the building contractors involved. It has also been established that increased segregation of selected high volume C & D wastes such as timber, metals and insulation, can lead to reductions in waste disposal costs.