Recycling of Construction and Demolition Waste in the Gulf Cooperation Essay

Recycling of Construction and Demolition Waste in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries - Essay Example It is estimated that 55 percent of this total waste comes from construction and demolition, 20 percent from municipal waste, 18 percent from industrial waste, and 7 percent from hazardous waste. The rapid development in the region, population growth, industrial diversification and construction activities combined have led forecasters to predict that the Middle East will invest billions of dollars in waste management sector over the next few years (Summit to focus on waste control). Basically, there are two types of construction wastes. The first one is obviously caused due to some construction work undertaken at different places from time to time as economies improve. The second construction waste happens when there is large scale urbanization of locations when along with residential buildings there are construction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, bus depots, railway stations, hospitals, sports stadiums and even airports. Construction waste on a large scale, if not managed properly, can prove to be an irritant and challenge to the environment. Dust pollutants, noise, asthmatic attacks, and mounds after mounds of waste material dot the landscape in this scenario. It is imperative that these wastes are immediately carted away and disposed so that they leave room for fresh wastes until the complete construction has taken place. It is necessary to manage construction waste profitably so that it is not detrimental to environment and creates additional revenue (Government to tackle demolition waste). A booming economy naturally raises living standards and styles. It brings about a sea change in the landscape. Places where there were dry and arid land, towns and cities containing swanky buildings and industries arise. There are office and residential buildings, swanky malls, roads, bridges, schools, places of entertainment, sports stadiums, hospitals, railway stations, and airports. The fast industrialization and