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A Research On The Environmental Impacts of Construction Waste in The Philippines
A Research On The Environmental Impacts of Construction Waste in The Philippines
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MAPUA UNIVERSITY
School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering
ecmpugay@mymail.mapua.edu.ph
(+63 1)55144310
August 2019
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Abstract
Construction Industries in the Philippines are rapidly growing that generates million tons of
construction wastes every year. This development progress has great effects to the environmental
problems and waste produced. These waste materials occupy large portion of sanitary landfill in
the Philippines, which destroys the health of every Filipinos especially those who live nearby the
landfill area. The research study covers the implementation and management plan of the
construction industries regarding their construction wastes. Using the descriptive research method,
the researchers have analyzed how the Sofaire System Enterprises manage their construction
wastes. The study finds that the effective way in minimizing the environmental pollution of waste
materials is by reducing the amount thrown away through the process of reusing and recycling.
Not only it will lessen the pollution in the environment and the community, but also promotes a
low-cost way of disposing huge amount of waste materials from construction industries.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Philippines is considered as the most densely populated cities in the world with 42,857 people
living per square kilometer according to the World Population Review. This rapid populɑtіon
growth, urbɑnіzɑtion and modernіzɑtion in the country have resulted in the signifіcant increase
of waste generated particularly in Metro Manila. The National Solid Waste Management
Commission (NSWMC) calculated that from 37,427.46 tons per day in 2012, the country’s waste
generation steadily increased to 40,087.45 tons in 2016 with an estimated average per capita
waste generation of 0.40 kilograms per day for both urban and rural. This waste generated rate is
expected to be double by 2025 from the 13.6 million tons in 2012.
From the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program of the Philippine Government, the construction industry
is rapidly growing because of the demands in infrastructure projects, as well as increase in
population. BMI Research estіmate that the Phіlippіnes’ constructіon іndustry will steadily grow
at a rate of 9.8% between 2017 and 2026. This growth significantly affects the waste generation
which contributes to the health and environmental sanitation problems. The construction wastes in
the Philippines are mainly composed of concrete, wood, brick, glass, asphalt, roofing shingles,
timber and metals.
1.1 Statement of the Problem
The construction waste materials occupied large part of the sanitary landfill in the Philippines
which endangers the health of every Filipinos especially to the scavengers working in the landfills.
Additionally, the improper disposal of construction waste materials such as solvents and
chemically treated woods has a negatively effect in sanitary landfills and in environment.
of the construction firm. In the latter, the research aims to nurture a better working environment
for all in the construction industry in the Philippines.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
3.2Research Design
The research starts with the procurement process of data given by Engr. Andres and related
information through different verified & credible sources. The researchers opted to make use of
descriptive research method because it will be the most effective and efficient way to answer the
questions and would bring to light the purposes of the research study.
4.RESULTS
The process of segregation is followed inside the construction site where the biodegradable
materials are separated from the non-biodegradable. Even the recyclable materials are isolated in
a different place. This proper disposing of construction waste materials helps to maintain a clean
and healthy environment for the workers and the community surrounding the area.
5% 4%
Wood
9%
Concrete/Masonry
38%
Metals
18% Plastics
Glass
Others
26%
The researchers found out the most common types of construction waste materials. In the figure
4.1, it shows that 38% of construction waste materials comes from wood while 26 percent come
from masonry. 18% scrap metals, 9% plastics, 5% glass and 4% others. The data was based on the
Contractor’s waste collection per month.
The construction wastes of Sofaire Enterprise are being collected and brought to Bulucan
warehouse. The construction waste materials will be segregated according to their type before
selling to junk shops and to the manufacturers. The manufactures will recycle the scrap wastes like
metals to be sold again in the market while the remaining unworkable materials are carried to
sanitary landfill.
Construction
Scrap Metals
Materiasls
Metal
Melting/Recycling
The scrap metal will be melted to a specific furnace design to melt a metal.
3. Purification and Solidifying
The recycled metal will undergo purification to ensure that the metal is free from contaminants.
After purification, the recycled metal is formed into specific shapes such as bars.
Building
Conrete Rubble
Structure
High quality
Ready Mixed aggregate
Concrete manufacturing
plant
Recycled
Aggregate
Construction
Scrap Wood
Materiasls
Materials
Sold to Market
Recovery
Again
Facility
Wood
Manufacturers
5.1 Conclusion
The improper disposal of the construction waste materials was proved to be wrong in the subject
area of the researchers. Wood material was found to be the most contributor in the variety of
construction waste materials that were expected to be disposed in sanitary landfill. Also, the
process of disposing the metal materials shows that there is no possibility that this would reach
the sanitary landfill where it would no longer decompose. Other construction materials like
plastics and glasses were also selected to be recycled. Therefore, the process of segregation and
distribution of recyclable construction materials shows that there is less impact for the health of
the community and in the environment.
5.2 Recommendation
For the future researcher of this study, the researchers recommend asking the needed data ahead
of time for a more precise result. It is much better to make an interview with two or more
construction sites to compare their waste management plans and make a more detailed evaluation.
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6.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The researchers wish to express their deep gratitude and sincere appreciation to the following
persons who unselfishly gave their invaluable assistance towards the realization of this humble
piece of work.
To Engr. John Paul Carreon, for imparting us his knowledge of his expertise and for guiding us
in choosing our research topic.
To Engr. Christopher M. Andres, who never hesitated to share his ideas and suggestions for the
improvement of this research.
To Engr. Jherson M. Pugay, for his pieces of advice and guidance for the completion of this
study.
To Ms. Kristine Joy G. Franco, for her wholehearted support during the interview and for her
encouragement to go on with this study.
To Our family, who shared not only financial support but also for giving us inspiration to make
this study successful.
And above all, to Almighty God for providing physical and mental strength. For His guidance,
countless blessings and love.
The Researchers
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7.REFERENCES
Gatpolitan G. ( September 2017 ) Steady Growth for PH construction sector. Retrieve from
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008920
Guerrero, L. A., G. Maas, and W. Hogland, (2013). Solid waste management challenges
for cities in developing countries. Waste management, 33(1): 220-232.
Malaya, (March 2018) Construction industry seen sustaining growth. Retrieve from
https://ppp.gov.ph/in_the_news/construction-industry-seen-sustaining-growth/
Napier, T. (October 2016) Construction Waste Management. Retrieve from
https://www.wbdg.org/resources/construction-waste-management