Strategies for Overcoming the Obstacles to Reuse and Recycling of Construction Waste Materials for Economic and Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria

Articles in Press

Document Type : Regular Paper

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Nigeria

3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

4 Department of Civil Engineering, Purdue Northwest University, United States

5 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainability of building materials in construction requires minimal or no waste, which entails the reuse/recycling of construction waste materials (CWM). The construction industry generates a significant portion of solid waste across the globe. This study is aimed at identifying the potential benefits and challenges of CWM reuse/recycling in order to proffer sustainable strategies for overcoming obstacles to optimal reuse/recycling of CWM. Descriptive survey design and desk study were employed in this research. Purposive sampling techniques were used to gather data for the study, using Nigeria as a study area. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Lack of recycling facilities with a score of 83.8% was identified as the biggest hindrance to the optimal reuse/recycling of CWM. Establishment of local recycling centers having a score of 77.1% was recognized as the most effective strategy for solving the challenges of optimal reuse/recycling of CWM. Government/government agencies/parastatals having the score of 76.5% were identified as the major key players in CWM reuse/recycling. Recommended strategies for best practices in the reuse/recycling of CWM include policy and regulations, planning, incentives, and the establishment of local recycling centers. With potential applications in other developing countries, this research offers a ground-breaking framework for encouraging sustainable construction practices and reducing construction waste in Nigeria.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Journal of Rehabilitation in Civil Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 March 2025

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 25 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 15 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 09 March 2025

Share

How to cite

Statistics