Implementing a site waste management plan - a case study of a medium sized building contractor in Ireland

Abstract

Construction and demolition waste management is becoming increasingly important on construction sites as landfill space in Ireland is rapidly depleting and waste management costs are rising. Due to these factors waste management plans are seen as a good response to minimising waste on site and this thesis aims to investigate how to implement such a plan on a practical case study as well as investigating the legislation regarding construction and demolition waste along with market availability for the reuse of the waste. Main contractor surveys were also carried out in order to gain a better understanding of current attitudes within the industry and these surveys are analysed in chapter five. A survey was also carried out among sub-contractors but this survey has not been used for this thesis as the study is on-going. The primary aim of this thesis is to examine the waste hierarchy opportunities that are available for construction and demolition waste in Ireland and to examine the effects of management strategies on construction and demolition waste reduction at the project level. A partnership was developed with Carey Developments Ltd in Co. Galway and an analysis of their waste management practices was undertaken. The primary case study will be the ‘Taylors Hill’ project in Co. Galway where work commenced in March, 2012. The secondary aim of the thesis is to develop specific waste minimisation strategies for the company and to develop a training tool kit for use on site. This thesis concentrates on the possible waste management strategies which a company can use to successfully implement good practice waste management. The initial research found that the construction and demolition waste topic is a worldwide issue with research being compiled constantly in order to help contractors implement successful waste management strategies. The initial stage of research involved a review of the legislation, theories and studies related to construction and demolition waste management. This research revealed that while good practice waste management is challenging, it is an achievable goal.