A Research on the Environmental Impacts of

Construction Waste in the Philippines

by

Karyl Xyra B. Calalin

Eloisa Consuelo M. Pugay

A Research submitted to the School of Civil, Environmental and Geological

Engineering in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the subject of

RES100-4 Methods of Research

Mapua University
August 2019
 APPROVAL SHEET

This is to certify that we have supervised the preparation of and read the study prepared

by Karyl Xyra B. Calalin and Eloisa Consuelo M. Pugay entitled A Research Study

on the impact of Construction Waste in the Philippines and that the said study has

been submitted for final examination by Oral Examination Committee.

Engr. John Paul Carreon

Research Professor

As members of the Oral Examination Committee, we certify that we have examined this

thesis, presented before the committee on AUGUST 1, 2019 and hereby recommend

that it be accepted as fulfillment of the requirements in the subject RES100-4 Research

Methods.

This study is hereby approved and accepted by the School of CEGE as fulfillment of
the requirements in the subject RES100-4 Research Methods.

Dr. Francis Aldrine A. Uy

Dean, School of CEGE

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. Construction 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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 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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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE ii

ABSTRACT iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS v

LIST OF FIGURES vii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background of the study 1

1.2 Statement of the Problem 2

1.3 Significance of the Study 2

1.4 Objectives of the Study 2

1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study 3

1.6 Definition of Terms 3

CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 4

1.1Global Construction Waste Problem 4

2.2 Waste Problems in the Philippines 4

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 2.2 Waste Management System in the Philippines 5

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 6

3.1 Locale of the Study 6

3.2 Research Design 6

3.3 Research Method 6

3.4 Process of Data Collection 7

3.5 Summary 7

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 8

4.1 Data Analysis 8

4.2 Data Results 8

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 12

5.1 Conclusion 12

5.2 Recommendation 12

REFERENCES 13

APPENDICES 14

APPENDIX I: Letter of Request 14

RESUME 15

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 4.1: Construction Waste Materials 8

Figure 4.2: Wood Wastes 9

Figure 4.3: Metal Wastes 9

Figure 4.4: Process of Recycling Construction Wastes 9

Figure 4.5: Process of Recycling Metals 10

Figure 4.6: Process of Reusing Concrete Debris 11

Figure 4.7: Process of Recycling Wood Materials 11

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 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

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 population growth, urbanization and modernization in the country have

resulted in the significant 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 estimate that the Philippines’

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.

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1.2 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.

1.3 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 landfill’s 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.

1.4 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

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1.5 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 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.

1.6 Definition of Terms

1.6.1 NSWMC - The agency tasked to implement Republic Act 9003.

1.6.2 Construction - the process of constructing a building or infrastructure.

1.6.3 Sanitary Landfills – sites where waste is isolated from the environment

1.6.4 Construction Industry - a branch of commercial enterprise

concerned with the construction of buildings, bridges, etc.

1.6.5 Construction Wastes - waste generated during construction

activities, civil construction and building

 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

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. 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

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Dumpsite collapsed that killed about 300 people, mostly waste scavengers (JEC 2005;

Navarro 2002/2003).

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 needing 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.
 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

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.

3.2 Research 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.

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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 5 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.

3.5 Summary

The research questions intend to emphasize and extract information how the

construction firms handling their construction wastes. The findings from the

interviews were analyzed to summarize the effect of construction wastes in the

environment. The researcher will provide more information of the gathered data on

the next chapter.

 Chapter 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4. 1 Data Analysis

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.

4.2 Data Results

5% 4% Wood
9%
38% Concrete/Masonr
y
18% Metals

Plastics

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.

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Figure 4.2 Wood Wastes Figure 4.3 Rebar Wastes

Produced Segragate Diff. Sold to

Sold to
Construction Waste Type of Waste Recycled Buyers
Materials 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.
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Construction
Scrap Metals
Materiasls

Sold to Market Sold to Steel

Again Manufactures

Metal
Melting/Recycling

Figure 4.5. Process of Recycling Metal

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

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.

 11

Building Conrete Rubble

Structure

High quality
Ready Mixed aggregate
Concrete
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.

Constructio
n Scrap
Materiasls Wood

Material
Sold to s
Market
Recover
Again y

Wood
Manufacturer
s

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.
 Chapter 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

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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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%20Wa

stes_Nov2017.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 fromhttps://www.cdrecycler.com/article/global-volume-construction-

demolition-waste/
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APPENDICES
I. Letter of Request

MAPUA UNIVERSITY
School of Civil, Environmental, and
Geological Engineering 658 Muralla St.,
Intramuros, Manila

Engr. Christopher M. Andres

Project Engineer
Sofaire System Enterprises
Gateway Mall 2, Cubao
Quezon City, 1127 Metro Manila
July 13, 2019

Dear Mr. Andres,

Good day! We are Civil Engineering students of Mapua University currently

taking Methods of Research course (RES100-4). We are humbly requesting an

informational interview for our research regarding the impact of Construction

Wastes in the Philippines. We kindly ask your assistance in providing us data

necessary to help us evaluate our study.

Any guidance you may provide would be most appreciated. We look forward to

hearing from you and hope to meet you soon.

Respectfully yours,

Karyl Xyra B. Calalin

Eloisa Consuelo M. Pugay

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RESUME
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