Analysis of Construction Waste Generation and Disposal Practices at Building Sites in Lagos State

Construction waste is one of the largest contributors to solid waste in urban Nigeria, yet its generation rates and disposal practices at building sites in Lagos State, South West Nigeria, remain poorly quantified. This study analysed construction waste generation and disposal practices at active building sites in Ikeja, Lekki, and Ajah areas of Lagos State. A field survey was conducted at 30 residential and commercial construction sites, combining waste quantification through bin weighing, site audits, and structured interviews with site engineers and foremen. Waste types recorded included concrete waste, masonry offcuts, timber off-cuts, metal scraps, plastics, and mixed rubble. Results showed that mean construction waste generation was 42.3 kg per square metre of gross floor area, with concrete and masonry waste constituting 61% of total waste by weight. Only 18% of sites had a documented waste management plan, and 73% disposed of waste through open dumping on adjacent land or public spaces. Salvage and reuse of timber and metal scraps was practised at 54% of sites, driven by economic rather than environmental motivations. The study concludes that construction waste management in Lagos building sites is largely informal and environmentally inadequate. Recommendations include mandatory waste management plans for all building permit applications in Lagos State, supported by incentive schemes for material reuse and recycling in line with current sustainable construction policies.

Keywords: construction waste, waste management, building sites, Lagos State, sustainable construction