Construction, renovation, and demolition waste in landfill: a review of waste characteristics, environmental impacts, and mitigation measures

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Jul;29(31):46509-46526. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-20479-5. Epub 2022 May 4.

Abstract

With the increase in global population, industrialization, and urbanization, waste from construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) activities has grown rapidly. There are some issues associated with the disposal of CRD waste in landfills. Depositing in landfills is still the main method for CRD waste disposal from the global perspective. The objective of this study is to comprehensively review the environmental impacts and management technologies for CRD waste in landfills. It includes the overview of the current CRD waste flow and relevant policies worldwide. The main environmental problems caused by CRD waste in landfills include leachate and H2S gas emission. This paper summarizes the primary environmental impacts caused by landfilling CRD waste and the available mitigation technologies. It also includes the use of CRD waste as an alternative material in landfill barriers. Although many technologies can help mitigate the environmental impacts caused by landfilling CRD waste, the optimal solution is to divert the waste flow from landfills using the "3R" principle. In the end, the existing research gaps in CRD waste and landfill management are also discussed.

Keywords: CRD waste; Environmental impact; Landfill; Leachate and emission; Mitigation measures; Reuse and diversion.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Environment
  • Refuse Disposal* / methods
  • Solid Waste
  • Waste Disposal Facilities
  • Waste Management*

Substances

  • Solid Waste