Factors influencing the extent of waste management on construction sites

The adoption of net-zero carbon goals and the increasing calls for sustainable management of waste, has resulted in construction companies developing diverse sustainable practices towards the reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste. Several factors influence the nature and adoption of such practices, and waste management on site. Adopting a multiple case study approach, this study investigates the factors influencing waste management practices on construction sites through interviews, documentary analysis and observations. The study suggests that, irrespective of the drivers of waste management, project specific factors such as: site space, approach of senior management towards waste; early involvement of contractors in the design process; incentives for site teams; identification of alternative use of materials; attitude of site teams; level of waste management education; level of planning at the front-end; type of technology adopted; and complexity of design forms are important determinants of waste management on projects. Whilst some of these factors are shaped by organisational policy, the vast majority are project specific in nature. This indicates that construction companies must be flexible and focus on empowering site teams to develop effective project specific strategies.