An Assessment of the Approaches of Construction and Demolition Waste in Jos, Plateau State of Nigeria

The continuous rise in population, urbanization and expansion of cities has triggered a corresponding increase in construction and demolition activity. The frequent collapse of buildings attributed to poor structural design, building decay, and/or use of substandard materials has generated a substantial increase in construction refuse, also referred to as Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste. This waste stream originates from residential, commercial, agricultural, institutional and industrial building projects for new builds, reconstruction, expansion, and refurbishments/rehabilitation. Most studies in Nigeria have generally focused on solid waste management without considering the uniqueness of C&D and giving it the attention needed, in order to achieve sustainable urban spaces that are highly functional, safe, convenient, and livable. This study seeks to investigate the different approaches and processes of C&D waste management in the City of Jos, in the Plateau State of Nigeria. The mix method was adopted for this research whereby quantitative and qualitative data was collected through a structured questionnaire for construction enterprises, as well as face-to-face interviews with the agencies responsible for waste management in the city. A total of 21 construction companies (representing about 10%) were randomly selected for questionnaire administration while interviews were conducted with the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) and the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) who are responsible for waste management. Investigations revealed that C&D waste consists of heavy and non-degradable materials such as: sheet metal roofing, sand, gravel, concrete, masonry, metal, and wood to mention only a few. The construction companies are solely responsible for: the collection, storage, transportation and disposal of wastes generated from their activities. Approximately 60-70% of the C&D waste materials are either reused, recycled or resold, while the remaining residual waste is indiscriminately disposed. Although the PEPSA and JMDB are responsible for waste management, their focus has been on establishing solid non-hazardous waste infrastructure systems, policies and plans. The absence of records of the quantity of C&D waste generated, the lack of financial data, and the omission of policies and plans for the C&D waste stream has resulted in a missed opportunity for a comprehensive and sustainable waste management strategy for the City and the state. To protect public health, valuable resources, and natural ecosystems, it is recommended that the C&D waste stream be included as part of the state’s waste management program, in consideration of the growing construction and demolition activity, by including C&D policies and guidelines.