Challenges and opportunities in construction waste management in Shire Town, Northern Ethiopia
Abstract Ethiopia's growing construction industry lacks effective waste management laws. This study is the first to analyze illegal dumping sites using spatial methods in Shire Town, providing insights into urban waste management. Data was collected through field observations, questionnaire sur...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Discover Sustainability |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01226-5 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Ethiopia's growing construction industry lacks effective waste management laws. This study is the first to analyze illegal dumping sites using spatial methods in Shire Town, providing insights into urban waste management. Data was collected through field observations, questionnaire surveys, expert interviews and secondary sources. SPSS was used to analyze survey responses and stakeholder perceptions, while Spearman correlation assessed agreement among respondents, and the Relative Importance Index (RII) evaluated waste management practices. Excavation produces the largest proportion of construction waste (45%), demolition (27.5%), construction (17.5%) and site clearance (10%). Excavation waste consists of soil (52.5%), mixed (40%), aggregate (5%) and insulation (2.5%), while demolition waste consists of mixed (57.5%), aggregate (30%), soil (10%) and non-metals (2.5%). Illegal disposal is the most common method mentioned by 85% of respondents, with 77.5% highlighting the environmental impact. Concrete (62.5%), stones (25%), soil (17.5%) and asphalt (5%) were reused, while metals (37.5%), stones (22.5%), wood (12.5%) and soil (5%) were recycled. Contractors apply disposal, reuse, on-site separation, reduction and recycling with RII values of 0.84, 0.83, 0.80, 0.77 and 0.55, respectively. Although reuse and recycling practices were adopted, they remain inadequate. The results provide a basis for sustainable waste management policies in rapidly urbanizing Ethiopian cities. Policymakers should establish waste disposal zones and provide financial incentives to promote recycling for sustainable waste management. Although the research focused on the Town of Shire, the findings could have an impact on waste management in other urbanized regions of Ethiopia that face similar challenges. |
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| ISSN: | 2662-9984 |