Professional Assessment of Construction Waste Management Practices in Abuja Construction Projects

Construction and demolition waste in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, is a significant but under-managed environmental and resource management challenge, with most waste generated on construction sites being landfilled without material segregation or recycling. This study professionally assesses construction waste management practices and identifies improvement opportunities for projects in Abuja. A professional audit methodology was adopted, conducting waste audits on eight active construction sites in Abuja Municipal Area Council spanning residential, commercial, and infrastructure project types. Waste generation rates, composition, and disposal methods were documented. Waste management plans were assessed against NESREA waste management guidelines. Interviews with site managers and waste contractors provided operational perspectives. Results indicate that mean construction waste generation is 34.6 kg per square metre of gross floor area. Concrete and masonry waste accounts for 58 percent by weight, followed by packaging materials (14 percent) and metal off-cuts (12 percent). Less than 15 percent of waste is segregated for recycling or reuse. None of the audited sites has a documented construction waste management plan. Demolition waste from clearance projects is entirely landfilled. The study identifies significant value recovery potential in metals, aggregates, and formwork timber. A professional Construction Waste Management Protocol for Abuja is proposed, including site waste minimisation plans, aggregate recycling requirements, and waste audit obligations as contract conditions for projects above 500 m2 floor area.

Keywords: construction waste, waste management, material recycling, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory