Investigating Construction and Demolition Waste Management Practices Among Building Industry Professionals in Lagos, Nigeria

Building construction activities is one of man’s most influential activities on natural resources and the environment. Cities in the phase of rapid economic development, urbanization and migration thus resulting in construction activities to accommodate the teeming population are generating construction and demolition waste (C&D). Nigeria, as a growing country, must implement an innovative approach to on-site management that includes waste capture and segregation to address the linked concerns of C&D waste affecting the construction sector and adversely affecting the environment. This study assessed the level of awareness and adherence to on-site innovative C&D waste management (re-use and re-cycle) practices by building industry professionals (BIPs) to protect the environment. A quantitative sampling method was used in the collection of data from 180 building industry professionals (BIPs) respondents drawn from BIPs in Lagos. The result revealed that the bulk of C&D waste was disposed of at landfill sites while the level of awareness of innovative use (re-use and re-cycle) of C&D waste is low among BIPs practising in Lagos. Thus it is recommended that massive enlightenment be engaged to increase awareness level among BIPs. Furthermore, priority should be given to adherence and monitoring of construction and demolition waste management practices by government agencies and professional bodies.