Sustainable Development Through Recycling of Construction and Demolition Wastes in India

Construction and demolition wastes constitute of uncontaminated solid waste resulting from construction, remodelling, repair and demolition of buildings, structures, roads, etc. This consist of bricks, concrete, other masonry materials, dust, wood, plumbing fixtures, roof coverings, glass, plastics, etc. When buildings are demolished large quantities of waste produces in a relatively shorter period of time. About 10-15% of municipal solid waste generates from C and D activities. Population explosion increases all sorts of needs and now a days we are facing scarcity, high rate, low quality materials in all the sectors including construction activity, which satisfies one of our basic need for shelter. To fulfil the needs of rapid industrialization and urbanization, large quarries are coming up and working extensively, which not only spoil the existing infrastructure while transporting but also creating great ecological and environmental problems. Instead of emptying earth crust by over-extraction of natural resources to satisfy our high demands, materials from construction and demolition activity can be reused or recycled. This not only becomes substitute to natural aggregates but also conserves rapidly diminishing natural resources, reduces the problem of C and D waste disposal, cut off the problems that might be encountered when C and D waste mixes with other waste or any environmental factor. In this article problems associated with C and D waste management and the options, which can overcome these problems are highlighted. To support and to encourage the use of recycled aggregate concrete, study was conducted on aggregates obtained from C and D waste. Various properties of conventional aggregate concrete and recycled aggregate, comparisons of strength and cost effectiveness of these two are briefly presented.