AN ASSESSMENT OF CONSTRUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG FIRMS IN ABUJA

Abstract

The study examined construction waste management practices in Abuja the capital city of Nigeria. The results obtained were analysed using the ranking order method. The study established that construction waste re-use ranked top amongst construction waste management practices engaged in by firms in the study area. The research identified Damage by mishandling; Weather and other natural occurrence; vandalism; Rework and alteration of designs; Lack of recycling facilities; over ordering of construction materials and components as the main causes of wastes on construction sites. Minimising of construction waste that leaves site for land fill ranked top among the benefits of efficient construction waste management. Other benefits were discovered to include, maximization of material recovery, prolonged supply of natural resources, reduced liability, keeping job sites and the environment cleaner and safer, conservation of valuable landfill space and reduction of cost associated with waste disposal, while ensuring compliance with all environmental legislation was ranked least as benefit derivable from efficient construction waste management. The study recommended among others the efficient enforcement of existing environmental legislations in the Federal Capital Territory. Re-use, Recycling and Deconstruction activities should also be encouraged among industries through the provision of facilities/equipment’s, technologies and market to make these practicable.