Removal of asbestos as an intrusive contaminant from concrete construction waste

Abstract

AbstractThe construction industry is the world's largest and fastest‐growing industry due to the increase in population, standards of living, and the higher demand for infrastructure. This fast growth generates huge amounts of construction and demolition waste (C&D waste), which amounts to more than 25% of the total generated waste, which has become a serious environmental challenge that needs to be addressed. The asbestos content in C&D waste poses a health risk and is entitled to special care, however, disposal of asbestos as hazardous waste is the only option by law. The present paper suggests the selective demolition of asbestos‐containing demolished waste rubble to be disposed of in compliance with all local and state regulations and proposes non‐asbestos rubble fraction to be recycled as an alternative sustainable management option that mitigates different adverse environmental impacts of the presently used conventional C&D waste management method.