On the prevailing waste recycling methods: a southeast Queensland study

Abstract

In Australia, waste generated from construction and building demolition work constitutes about 44% of the total amount each year. Consequently, it has created a serious waste management problem. The State Governments of Victoria and New South Wales have been pushing for the use of recycled materials; they have promulgated specifications for the use of recycled aggregate from construction and related waste. However, in Queensland, similar specifications are not available, which explains the lack of research conducted in this important area. This paper presents an evaluation of the prevailing waste recycling methods used in Queensland. Nine sites have been visited, including two construction sites, three demolition sites, three recycling plants and one landfill in Southeast Queensland. Difficulties encountered by the recycling operators and their associates from these site visits are investigated. One of the major barriers is that the local councils disallow the use of recycled materials in construction activities! To help improve the situations, state and local authorities should implement policies encourage the use of recycled construction waste. This can be done by: (i) developing specification for the use of recycled materials; and (ii) increasing landfill disposal charges for construction and building companies to discourage dumping.