Towards sustainable construction waste minimization and management in Zambia and beyond

Abstract

Zambian Construction is one of the fastest growing sectors (increasing at 15.3% pa in 2012) from residential and commercial developments and mining infrastructure. The industry in Zambia, like elsewhere, is composed of many players including designers, contractors, regulators, manufacturers and suppliers of construction materials. However, opportunities for sustainable construction waste minimization and management (WMM) have been minimal.

Most research in developing countries has been targeted on Municipal Waste Management rather than Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste. C&D Waste is generally in form of masonry units, mortar, timber, glass, steel and plastic and most generation is arises from masonry units and mortar. In the developed countries guidelines do exist, supported by regulation and legislation.

This paper addresses the status on C&D waste management in Zambia as compared to the rest of the world, mainly through literature review, with a view to recommending strategies for sustainable Waste Minimization and Management. As highlighted by several researchers and institutions, worldwide, WMM requires partnerships of strategies, which covers processes over the entire life cycle of construction infrastructure. The paper highlights some of best practices towards sustainable C&D waste minimization and management elsewhere. Finally, recommendations are made on how to achieve best practice in Zambia, sub-region and beyond.

Keywords: Municipal Waste, Construction and Demolition waste, design and construction practices