Waste Management at the Construction Site

Abstract

The construction of a single family home in the United States typically produces between two and four tons of debris. Research has demonstrated that up to 90% of this debris can be recycled. Green building certification programs award points for recycling construction debris. During the current housing crisis home builders can improve their profit margins by minimizing waste that is sent to landfills. But many are still at a loss for practical ways to do this. This paper focuses on a practical guide on waste management that has been produced for the home building industry. It highlights methods for determining both cost-effective and environmentally sound methods for handling and getting rid of construction waste. A program will be outlined that demonstrates how builders can design and implement waste management techniques specific to their firms' unique circumstances and requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]