Construction debris volume to surge in coming years

A new report by Transparency Market Research forecasts that the global volume of construction debris is set to balloon in the coming years. Construction debris is anything that is generated as a result of construction, and then abandoned, regardless of whether it has been processed or stockpiled.

According to a report by the World Bank in 2012, there is a global collective of 1.3 billion tons of solid waste every year. This volume is expected to increase to 2.2 billion tons every year by 2025. Building material accounts for half of the solid waste generated every year worldwide.

Policies are being drafted to increase recycling of construction debris, as countries around the world are concerned about environmentally sustainable development. The solution for a sustainable future is to reduce, reuse and recycle. Various certifications such as LEED are in place in different countries to encourage the proper management of construction debris. However, lack of standardization, low margins, poor policy push, lack of awareness and lack of resources are the key barriers for the expansion of the construction debris market.

Based on type, the construction debris market is classified in the report into excavation debris, roadwork debris, demolition debris and complex debris. Excavation debris is further segmented as vegetable soil, soil, sand, gravel, rock and clay. Roadwork debris includes debris generated by activities such as construction, demolition and renovation of roads, railroads, airports and runways. This includes concrete, broken asphalt, paving stone, sand, pebble, railway traverse and ballast. Debris generated by the building and demolition of industrial and residential buildings, hospitals and schools such as concrete with iron, concrete without iron, roofing, tiles, bricks, wood, stucco, gypsum and ceramic are included in demolition debris. Plastics, metals, ceramic, paper and cartons are considered complex debris.

In terms of material, the construction debris market is segregated into wood, metal, shingles, asphalt brick and concrete (ABC) debris, packaging debris, ceramics, gypsum, plastic and others. Wood waste includes plywood, manufactured wood, painted wood, pallets and crates and treated wood. Metal waste includes ferrous and nonferrous metals. ABC debris includes asphalt, bricks, concretes and composites. Toilets, sinks and tiles are included in ceramic debris. Plastic pipe, vinyl siding and other plastics are considered plastic waste.

Based on geography, the construction debris market is segmented in the report into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America and Middle East and Africa (MEA). Asia Pacific is estimated to hold a significant share of the market in the coming years due to the high economic development in the region. The market in North America is also expanding at a rapid pace, while Europe is leading the world in technology related to construction debris management. Latin America and MEA are estimated to be key regions of the emerging construction debris management market.

The report, "Construction Waste Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017-2025," is available for sale on Transparency Market Research's website.