Sustainable Approaches to Managing C&D Waste: A Review

Worldwide, rapid urbanization has resulted inextensive construction of infrastructure, focus on new building projects within cities which has contributed towards drastic surge in the generation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Lack of proper treatment of this waste results in adverse environmental impacts in the form of air pollution, water pollution, the lack of availability of aggregates, shortage of landfill sites etc. Therefore, there is need for effectively managing C&D waste. Rules exist for sustainably managing solid waste however, major challenge is posed by the inability to effectively plan and properly manage this system while ensuring implementation of the existing rules. This research paper presents options for managing the growing C&D wastes and also recommends mechanisms to ensure that the system is financially sustainable as well. Application of approaches such as WGR (waste generation rate), LCA (lifecycle assessment) and EPR (extended producer responsibility) is suggested.