The practices of implementing governmental control in managing construction wastes in Hong Kong

Abstract

Generation of construction wastes has been considered as the major impact to the environment. The Hong Kong Government is pressing waste minimization in construction as an alternative strategy for reducing filling-up of landfills areas by promoting the implementation of Environmental Management System (EMS), Waste Reduction Framework Plan (WRFP) and implementing various environmental regulations. As the construction activities are among the major sources for waste generation, various studies have investigated ways of reducing wastes during construction process. However, in referring to Hong Kong practice, the applications of these methods receive limited effectiveness. Contractors are less motivated in using resources for waste minimization, and they are very often less cooperative with governmental regulations. This paper examines the practices of implementing governmental controlling measures for waste reduction in Hong Kong. Measures are presented for improving the practices