An Architectural Approach to Solid Waste Management on Selected Building Construction Sites in Bauchi Metropolis

Abstract

Construction waste is becoming a serious environmental problem in many cities around the world, Bauchi not being an exception. This is due to the growing in volume and complexities of modern economies. International research has also shown that building construction industry generates high volume or quantities of material waste often attributed to the lack of on-site material control. Construction and Demolition (C & D) debris frequently makes up 10 -30% of the waste received at many landfill sites, owing to the fact that contractors or captains of industries fail to adopt proper controlling procedure in what is considered an elaborate and expensive process. This paper examines the problem of waste management on construction sites in Bauchi metropolis unearthing inherent dangers material waste poses to the construction industry. Using quantitative methods, the study revealed that material wastage not only increases cost to the construction project, but also reduces the profit of the contractor, considering the cost of storing and transporting construction waste along with the loss of revenue from un-reclaimed waste. In addition, poor managerial practices and its attending awareness inadequacies are the major causes of ineffective waste management. The study finally recommended recycling and reusing of construction waste as a viable option in construction waste management, and that incentive giving to workers for good handling of materials.