Construction and Demolition Waste

This case study focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of the current state of local Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) management and governance in Chennai. Specifically, it explores gaps in the current practices of Construction and Demolition Waste Management (CDWM) and identifies opportunities for possible technology intervention to better assist stakeholders in CDWM for the city.

This study elucidates crucial observations and findings derived from a combination of secondary literature review, policy analysis, and primary research involving field visits / interviews with CDWM stakeholders in Chennai which were key to understanding the on-ground reality of CDW flow and stakeholder involvement. The site visits involved, a) detailed interviews with site managers and on site workers to understand the reporting method, surveillance, collection, transportation and processing of CDW and direct observation of b) the site, ticketing processes followed, equipment used, unloading of waste including making note of the site area and location which could affect accessibility. Additionally, in person interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders including representatives from GCC, PPS, WeStart, Pollucare, the PMC, academics, and civil society.

Through the research methodology, the study identifies several factors that pose significant challenges to the collection processing and recycling of CDW like significant gaps between policy and on-ground waste management operations, illegal dumping, rudimentary methods of estimating CDW generation and marginalization of the informal waste market.