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A Research on the Environmental Impacts of

Construction Waste in the Philippines

Karyl Xyra B. Calalin, Eloisa Consuelo M. Pugay

MAPUA UNIVERSITY
School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering
ecmpugay@mymail.mapua.edu.ph
(+63 1)55144310

August 2019
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Abstract
Construction Industries in the Philippines are rapidly growing that generates million tons of
construction wastes every year. This development progress has great effects to the environmental
problems and waste produced. These waste materials occupy large portion of sanitary landfill in
the Philippines, which destroys the health of every Filipinos especially those who live nearby the
landfill area. The research study covers the implementation and management plan of the
construction industries regarding their construction wastes. Using the descriptive research method,
the researchers have analyzed how the Sofaire System Enterprises manage their construction
wastes. The study finds that the effective way in minimizing the environmental pollution of waste
materials is by reducing the amount thrown away through the process of reusing and recycling.
Not only it will lessen the pollution in the environment and the community, but also promotes a
low-cost way of disposing huge amount of waste materials from construction industries.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Philippines is considered as the most densely populated cities in the world with 42,857 people
living per square kilometer according to the World Population Review. This rapid populɑtіon
growth, urbɑnіzɑtion and modernіzɑtion in the country have resulted in the signifіcant increase
of waste generated particularly in Metro Manila. The National Solid Waste Management
Commission (NSWMC) calculated that from 37,427.46 tons per day in 2012, the country’s waste
generation steadily increased to 40,087.45 tons in 2016 with an estimated average per capita
waste generation of 0.40 kilograms per day for both urban and rural. This waste generated rate is
expected to be double by 2025 from the 13.6 million tons in 2012.
From the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program of the Philippine Government, the construction industry
is rapidly growing because of the demands in infrastructure projects, as well as increase in
population. BMI Research estіmate that the Phіlippіnes’ constructіon іndustry will steadily grow
at a rate of 9.8% between 2017 and 2026. This growth significantly affects the waste generation
which contributes to the health and environmental sanitation problems. The construction wastes in
the Philippines are mainly composed of concrete, wood, brick, glass, asphalt, roofing shingles,
timber and metals.
1.1 Statement of the Problem
The construction waste materials occupied large part of the sanitary landfill in the Philippines
which endangers the health of every Filipinos especially to the scavengers working in the landfills.
Additionally, the improper disposal of construction waste materials such as solvents and
chemically treated woods has a negatively effect in sanitary landfills and in environment.

1.2 Significance of the Study

This study will provide information about the environmental impact of construction wastes in the
Philippines and how to properly dispose the construction wastes. The findings will bring
awareness to the sanitary landfills’ owners regarding the impact of construction wastes. The
research data and findings can also be used by the NSWMC to layout strategies and solutions on
how construction wastes must be disposed. This research wants to make a significant contribution
in protecting our environment.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study is to inform and analyze how construction industries in the Philippine
dispose their construction waste. Below are the specific objectives:
 To identify the types of waste in the construction sites
 To determine the location of the disposed construction wastes
 To examine waste management in the construction industry
 To weigh its impact in the environment

1.4 Scope and Limitations of the Study

The research will focus on what possible implications must be done in disposing construction and
demolition wastes in the construction industry in the Philippines. The research will also determine
the negative impact of construction wastes in the environment and health hoping to bring
awareness why proper disposing of construction waste must be included in the management plan
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of the construction firm. In the latter, the research aims to nurture a better working environment
for all in the construction industry in the Philippines.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Global Warming and its Problem

According to a report by the World Bank in 2012, there is a global collective of 1.3 billion tons of
solid waste every year and is expected to be doubled by 2.2 billion tons by the year of 2025. More
than half of the solid waste generated in the world comes from building materials. Most of this
waste ended up being dumped legally and illegally in the sanitary landfills. . In December 2015, a
heap of construction wastes in China triggered a landslide, killing more than 70 Chinese and left
900 individuals displaced. Chinese government had established more than 10 landfills for debris
due to the construction boom, but the pile of material waste was too high and unsafe.

2.2 Waste Problem in the Philippines

The Philippines is the world's third largest plastic polluter which produces an enormous quantity
of garbage, based on the 2015 research study in the journal Science. From the 2016 report of
MMDA to Commission on Audit (COA), the waste generated by NCR had increased by 450000
cubic meters which is equal to 75,000 truckloads of trash. Also, the construction waste arises due
to the increasing population, urbanization and to the increasing construction projects in the
Philippines. Based on the 2018 construction statistics of PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority ),
the total number of constructions from approved building permits reached 40,369. This
construction projects generates large amount of wastes that may end up being dumped in the
landfills or dumpsites. Proper waste disposal and disposal facilities in the Philippines are lacking
so the waste are piling up on the land. In 2000, a massive 50ft wall of waste in Payatas Dumpsite
collapsed that killed about 300 people, mostly waste scavengers.

2.3 Waste Management System in the Philippines

According to the IBRD/WB ( 1999 ) report, the Philippines is facing one of the greatest waste
management based on the country’s projected rate of waste generation and the resources available
for dealing with the problem. The Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB) under RA 9003,
named Prepares Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) were established to protect the
environment against pollution. It suggests how the proper collection and disposal of wastes in a
community. Regardless to the implementation of Republic Act 9003, the number of sanitary
landfills in the country remains small. According to the data of National Solid Waste Management
Commission (2016), 108 illegal dumpsites across the country are still operating that are need to be
closed. Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation (MCWM) is the first engineered sanitary
landfill in the Philippines. The aim of these is to protect the air, soil and groundwater from
contamination by other waste-related materials. By 2026, the Quezon City and Navotas Sanitary
Landfill would be full while the Rizal Provincial Sanitary Landfill by 2037.
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3.MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Locale of the Study

The Researchers conducted an informational interview at the construction of Gateway Mall 2
located at Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

3.2Research Design
The research starts with the procurement process of data given by Engr. Andres and related
information through different verified & credible sources. The researchers opted to make use of
descriptive research method because it will be the most effective and efficient way to answer the
questions and would bring to light the purposes of the research study.

3.3 Research Method

The researchers interviewed Engr. Andres, the Project Engineer of SOFAIRE SYSTEM
ENTERPRISES. The interview is provided with 5 questions, each of it asked information that may
help this research study. The results on the interview will identify how the construction industries
handled their demolition & construction wastes and if their firm has a waste management plan.

3.4 Procedures of Data Collection

1. The researchers emailed Engr. Christopher Andres to conduct an informational interview
regarding the construction waste management of Gateway Mall 2.
2. The researchers went to the construction of Gateway Mall 2 to conduct an interview with
Engr. Andres.
3. The interview is provided with 3 questions, each of it asked information about their waste
management plan and how they handled their construction wastes.
4. The researchers analyzed the gathered information from the interview and from the data
they provided.
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4.RESULTS

The process of segregation is followed inside the construction site where the biodegradable
materials are separated from the non-biodegradable. Even the recyclable materials are isolated in
a different place. This proper disposing of construction waste materials helps to maintain a clean
and healthy environment for the workers and the community surrounding the area.

5% 4%
Wood
9%
Concrete/Masonry
38%
Metals
18% Plastics
Glass
Others
26%

Figure 4.1 Construction Waste Materials

The researchers found out the most common types of construction waste materials. In the figure
4.1, it shows that 38% of construction waste materials comes from wood while 26 percent come
from masonry. 18% scrap metals, 9% plastics, 5% glass and 4% others. The data was based on the
Contractor’s waste collection per month.

Figure 4.2 Wood Wastes Figure 4.3 Rebar Wastes

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Produced Segragate Diff. Sold to

Sold to
Construction Waste Type of Waste Recycled Buyers
Materials
Manufactures
Materials Again

Figure 4.4. Process of Recycling Construction Wastes

The construction wastes of Sofaire Enterprise are being collected and brought to Bulucan
warehouse. The construction waste materials will be segregated according to their type before
selling to junk shops and to the manufacturers. The manufactures will recycle the scrap wastes like
metals to be sold again in the market while the remaining unworkable materials are carried to
sanitary landfill.

Construction
Scrap Metals
Materiasls

Sold to Market Sold to Steel

Again Manufactures

Metal
Melting/Recycling

Figure 4.5. Process of Recycling Metals

Metal is the most recycled construction material because its properties doesn’t degrade and one of
the reasons why the Sofaire System Enterprises sold their scrap rebar to steel manufacturers.
The 3 Metal Recycling Process
1. Collection and Sorting
The scrap metal will be collected then be segregated to different types of metals (carbon,
aluminum, copper) before delivering to steel manufacturers.
2. Melting
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The scrap metal will be melted to a specific furnace design to melt a metal.
3. Purification and Solidifying

The recycled metal will undergo purification to ensure that the metal is free from contaminants.
After purification, the recycled metal is formed into specific shapes such as bars.

Building
Conrete Rubble
Structure

High quality
Ready Mixed aggregate
Concrete manufacturing
plant

Recycled
Aggregate

Figure 4.6 Process of Reusing Concrete Debris

The researchers found out that most of construction concrete debris are transported into landfills
which contributes to environmental problems in the Philippines. The construction site uses their
concrete wastes as a replacement for aggregates in ready-mix concrete since it has more absorption
value compared to raw aggregates. In Addition, this reduction of concrete waste can benefit to the
environment.

Construction
Scrap Wood
Materiasls

Materials
Sold to Market
Recovery
Again
Facility

Wood
Manufacturers

Figure 4.7 Process of Recycling Wood Materials

The scrap wood materials are brought to potential wood markets like furniture shops and
whoever can benefit from it. The process of recycling wood wastes is one of the most
economical and prevents less trash ending up in the landfill area.
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5.CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion
The improper disposal of the construction waste materials was proved to be wrong in the subject
area of the researchers. Wood material was found to be the most contributor in the variety of
construction waste materials that were expected to be disposed in sanitary landfill. Also, the
process of disposing the metal materials shows that there is no possibility that this would reach
the sanitary landfill where it would no longer decompose. Other construction materials like
plastics and glasses were also selected to be recycled. Therefore, the process of segregation and
distribution of recyclable construction materials shows that there is less impact for the health of
the community and in the environment.
5.2 Recommendation
For the future researcher of this study, the researchers recommend asking the needed data ahead
of time for a more precise result. It is much better to make an interview with two or more
construction sites to compare their waste management plans and make a more detailed evaluation.
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6.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The researchers wish to express their deep gratitude and sincere appreciation to the following
persons who unselfishly gave their invaluable assistance towards the realization of this humble
piece of work.
To Engr. John Paul Carreon, for imparting us his knowledge of his expertise and for guiding us
in choosing our research topic.
To Engr. Christopher M. Andres, who never hesitated to share his ideas and suggestions for the
improvement of this research.
To Engr. Jherson M. Pugay, for his pieces of advice and guidance for the completion of this
study.
To Ms. Kristine Joy G. Franco, for her wholehearted support during the interview and for her
encouragement to go on with this study.
To Our family, who shared not only financial support but also for giving us inspiration to make
this study successful.
And above all, to Almighty God for providing physical and mental strength. For His guidance,
countless blessings and love.

The Researchers
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7.REFERENCES
Gatpolitan G. ( September 2017 ) Steady Growth for PH construction sector. Retrieve from
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008920
Guerrero, L. A., G. Maas, and W. Hogland, (2013). Solid waste management challenges
for cities in developing countries. Waste management, 33(1): 220-232.
Malaya, (March 2018) Construction industry seen sustaining growth. Retrieve from
https://ppp.gov.ph/in_the_news/construction-industry-seen-sustaining-growth/
Napier, T. (October 2016) Construction Waste Management. Retrieve from
https://www.wbdg.org/resources/construction-waste-management

(2017). Philippine Solid Wastes at a Glance [PDF file] Retrieve from

https://www.senate.gov.ph/publications/SEPO/AAG_Philippine%20Solid%20Wastes_N
ov2017.pdf
Sarmiento, B. (October 2018) Plastic trash chokes Philippine seas. Retrieved from
https://www.mindanews.com/environment/2018/10/plastic-trash-from-the-sachet-
economy-chokes-the-philippines-seas/
Redling, A. ( March 2018 ) Global Volume Construction Demolition Waste. Retrieve from
https://www.cdrecycler.com/article/global-volume-construction-demolition-waste/