National Conference Emerging trends of Energy Conservation in

Table 3. Summary[15] of Measures used to Influence the Management of C&D Waste in
Denmark, Source: Symonds (1999)
5. Management of construction waste in India
The management of construction waste in India is not as organized as in the west. The
increasing pace of urbanization coupled with a steep increase in construction activity is
exerting significant pressures on already stretched Municipal Solid Waste Management
(MSWM) systems across cities in India. This problem is attaining gigantic proportions due to
lack of adequate capacity, institutional, financial capabilities and skilled resources in
collection, transportation, processing and final disposal. The owner or demolition contractor,
in order to get rid of the construction waste ( materials like concrete, bricks, and other such
items) from site, give these waste materials either free of cost or at throw away prices to be
dumped in low lying sites with scant regard to the environmental pollution. Most construction
waste goes into landfills, resulting in soil and water pollution. Despite the rise in construction
activity in most of the Indian cities there is hardly any site for the storage of Construction and
demolition waste. The existing Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules,
2000 clearly states that it will be the responsibility of generator of wastes to avoid littering
and ensure delivery of wastes in accordance with the collection and segregation system of the
concerned municipal authority, but still there is a lackadaisical approach as far as the
segregation, storage, recycling and disposal of C & D waste is concerned.