Construction Waste Minimization in the UK: Current Pressures for Change and Approaches

Recent figures published by the UK Government reveal that construction and demolition waste in the UK is around 120 million tonnes per annum, including an estimated 13 million tonnes of unused material. Furthermore, the introduction of new legislation, the emergence of new technologies and practices in both waste disposal and recovery, and the rising tide of public awareness are all conspiring to change the face of waste management. The opportunities and responsibilities to minimise construction waste rest with clients, contractors, suppliers and designers (architects/engineers). The paper evaluates construction waste minimization drivers and pressures for change in the UK; discusses construction waste source evaluation; and explores current thinking on construction waste research.