The volume of construction waste generated worldwide every year will nearly double to 2.2 billion tons by 2025, according to a report by Transparency Market Research.
The study says “reduce, reuse and recycle” policies are necessary to control the amount of construction waste. To date, such policies have been hampered by insufficient resources, lack of standardization, slim profit margins, policy apathy, and lack of education regarding the issues.
Construction waste is already causing safety and environmental concerns around the globe. In December 2015, a pile of construction debris caused a landslide in Shenzhen, China, that killed more than 70 people.
Texas has been burdened by waste created by Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area last year. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has waived some solid waste disposal regulations to hasten the clean-up. In Minnesota, construction debris is affecting groundwater, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is pushing for tougher standards for demolition landfills that have no barrier between waste and groundwater.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 4, 2021
2021 IBC requires automatic doors for entrances to public buildings
One door must be either a full power-operated door or a low-energy power-operated door.
Codes and Standards | Feb 3, 2021
Two new International Code Council online code tools released
Offer detailed information about global building code usage and U.S. adoptions.
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2021
Biden tells OSHA to bolster COVID-19 safety rules
Order could lead to a national playbook for fighting COVID-19 on jobsites.
Codes and Standards | Feb 1, 2021
Fenestration Alliance updates standard for mulled combination assemblies
Last updated in 2010, document describes procedures and requirements for air leakage, water resistance, and structural performance.
Codes and Standards | Jan 28, 2021
Natl. Fire Protection Assn. releases new energy storage system fact sheet
Comes as Biden Administration prepares ambitious clean energy agenda.
Codes and Standards | Jan 27, 2021
AECOM sues insurance carrier for payment of COVID-19 property damage claims
Claims ‘all-risk policies’ should have included millions of dollars of losses due to virus.
Codes and Standards | Jan 26, 2021
Updated guide to repair and rehabilitate existing concrete structures published
Document assesses how to adhere to code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2021
New guide for skylight selection, daylighting design released
Free Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance document now available.
Codes and Standards | Jan 21, 2021
California considers statewide ban on natural gas heat, hot water in new homes
Code update would take effect in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Jan 20, 2021
Steel industry, labor urge Biden to retain steel tariffs
‘Essential to ensuring the viability of the domestic steel industry.’