Improving the management of construction waste in Qatar

Construction waste accounts for more than 75% of all solid waste in Qatar and the majority is landfilled in the desert outside the capital, Doha, contaminating an increasingly large area of land. Significant improvements in the management of this waste are required if the target in the National Development Strategy of recycling 38% of solid waste by 2016 is to be met. A collaborative approach is being taken to address construction waste, involving government departments, research organisations and industry. Codes of practice for construction and demolition are being developed to improve the quality of waste on site. Much of the construction and demolition waste can potentially be recycled as aggregate, and construction trials have been carried out to demonstrate use in high-value applications such as concrete. However, to effectively implement the use of recycled aggregates, a range of further measures are required, including amending the Qatar Construction Specifications, addressing concerns about quality and durability, and raising awareness of the economic and environmental benefits. The collaborative approach is enabling real progress to be made. The issues facing Qatar are applicable to other Middle East and North Africa countries undergoing similar rapid expansion.