Waste reduction final report -4 - Test Input

Israel
Contributed by:
Gil Peled – Architect, Initiator of Eco-Challenges
Jerusalem
1. Current national statistics
The total construction, demolition, refurbishment and excavation waste in Israel is estimated
at 7.5 million tons annually. About 3.5 million tons are construction and refurbishment waste
from residential and industrial buildings, not including infrastructures. Excavation and soil
totals some 3 million tons annually. About 3 million tons of waste are treated through
recycling plants or to authorized landfills, with the rest, an estimated 1.5 million tons, still
being discarded in open spaces and along roadsides. (1) (2)
This situation is one of the most serious environmental problems facing the country; however
it has also presented a great opportunity for progress over the last few years. In 2008 already,
1 million tons of recycled waste was reused in the construction industry and there is a
growing understanding by stakeholders of the importance and benefits which can be gained
from waste reduction and recycling. (2)
Waste generating activity (2009) Amount (tons)
Refurbishment (residential) 1,928,028
Construction (residential & industrial) 1,570,200
Total 3,498,228
Waste treatment activity (2009) Amount (tons)
Recycled waste 1,483,231
Landfill & infrastructures 675,666 & 396,580
Total 2,555,477
An exact national breakdown is currently not available as there is no one method applied for
calculating the waste amounts. The quantities are either based on statistical data relating to
waste generation per person in the various administrative districts or are based on data
collected by single operators of landfill sites and recycling plants.
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(1) Israel Environment Bulletin Vol. 31, Publication of the Israel Ministry of Environmental Protection
(2) As communicated by Uri Tal, coordinator of solid waste treatment, Ministry of Environmental Protection, 9 / 2010
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