Construction is associated with a number of waste streams. These include rubble, concrete, brick asphalt, waste plastic packaging, paper, waste chemical containers from paint usage and sewage waste from construction operations.
Contractors and individuals who engage them, should ensure that there is a plan for managing waste throughout the life-cycle of the project.
One of the first things to come to mind is how human waste should be managed. Currently there is the usage of mobile toilets in order to prevent the practice of open defaecation at construction sites. Contractors must ensure they have, an effective management plan for sewage waste.
A lot of the paper and plastic can be recycled with minimal effect on the environment.
Rubble and construction solid waste can be used for road patching and facilitate ruse of materials. In other circumstances this type of waste can be used for backfilling.
Paints and varnishes tend to be troublesome due to their toxic nature and ability to cause groundwater and land pollution. Ceramics and glass should be managed in a careful manner to avoid a situation where glass can become a hazard to human beings.
The following table provides information on typical construction waste and how to deal with the different waste types.
| Waste Stream | How to Manage the Waste |
| Bricks | Filling holes and backfilling |
| Wood and sawdust | Making wood Briquettes |
| Glass | Recycling at glass recycling companies |
| Paint and Solvents | Safe disposal at hazardous waste sites |
| Adhesives | Safe disposals at hazardous waste sites |
| Cement Bags (Polypropylene) | Recycling |
| Plastic | Recycling |
| Paper | Recycling |
| Ceramics | Backfilling |
| Aluminium | Recycling at aluminium recycling companies (aluminium can be recycled unlimited times. |
| Rubber | Safe disposal at hazardous waste sites |
| Cable offcuts | Safe disposal at hazardous waste sites |
| Broken Tiles and Ceramics | Backfilling |
| Under all circumstances, burning waste should be avoided. Individuals and contractors should avoid indiscriminately burning waste as this is not environmentally friendly. | |