Management of Construction and Demolition Waste in Kuwait

• Main Author: Ali Almusawi, Mohammed Baqer Hasan
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2023
• Subjects: Civil engineering; Engineering; Environmental engineering
• ISBN: 9798384021148

In recent years, the construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) generation in Kuwait has increased due to the increasing population, urbanization, and construction activities. This research was aimed to evaluate Kuwait's current C&D waste situation by focusing on C&D waste generation and C&D waste management issues. The estimated C&D waste generation rates were estimated based on data collected from five construction projects and two demolition projects in Kuwait. In addition, a questionnaire survey was also conducted to evaluate the causes of C&D waste generation. The results showed that the average C&D waste quantities generated by construction activities were 49.5 kg/m2 for public/commercial building projects and 35 kg/m2 for residential projects. While demolition works of public/commercial construction and residential construction activities generated 1.480 ton/m2, 0.0495 ton/m2, and 0.035 ton/m2, respectively. The average composition of C&D waste from the construction sector, including concrete waste, was 35.4%, followed by 19.2% of tiles/blocks, 14.2% of metals, and other materials. Meanwhile, the demolition works are composed of 70% concrete and cement waste and 20% metals. The questionnaire survey also revealed that extra labor, extra time, and cost are needed to manage the onsite sorting of C&D waste. This study recommends that all stakeholders in the construction industry, not just contractors and subcontractors, develop waste management plans. The Government of Kuwait is recommended to issue specific legislation on recycling which can improve C&D waste management, and should grant extra incentives and recognition to stakeholders.