Quantification and Characterization of Construction Waste in Shire City, Northern Ethiopia for Sustainable Waste Management

Rapid urbanization and infrastructure development have made the management of construction and demolition waste (C&DW) a critical challenge in developing countries. This study assesses the quantities and characteristics of C&DW in Shire City, Northern Ethiopia, to inform sustainable waste management strategies. Data were collected through field observations, a questionnaire survey, and a literature review. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, with Spearman correlation employed to evaluate respondent agreement and the Relative Importance Index (RII) used to assess waste management practices. Geospatial analyses were performed in ArcGIS, and waste volumes were estimated using rectangular and pyramidal models. Results indicate substantial volumes of illegally dumped waste, including soil (632,367.3 m³), mixed waste (64,317.4 m³), stone (13,200 m³), demolition debris (780.5 m³), and asphalt (540 m³). Major sources were excavation (45%), demolition (27.5%), and construction activities (17.5%). Illegal disposal was the most common practice (85%), with 77.5% of respondents recognizing its environmental impact. Reuse and recycling were limited, with concrete (62.5%) and metals (37.5%) being repurposed. Contractors primarily relied on disposal (RII = 0.84), reuse (0.83), and on-site separation (0.80). Comparisons with other developing countries reveal similar challenges, including inadequate regulation and limited recycling initiatives. Drawing on international best practices, this study recommends policy interventions and circular economy principles to improve C&DW management. Methodologically, the study contributes a replicable framework combining geospatial mapping with on-site waste volume estimation, applicable in resource-limited urban settings.