The Assessment of Waste Segregation Exercise Among Malaysian Contractors: A Descriptive Analysis

Abstract

Construction waste that emerges from construction sites has become a major global concern due to its
negative carbon footprint on the environment. Due to underrepresented construction waste specific data
in Malaysia, this paper aims to identify sources, causes, types of construction waste and decision-making
factors of construction waste management in Malaysia's construction sites. A questionnaire survey was
administered to 60 construction practitioners representing different construction sites in Peninsular
Malaysia. A descriptive analysis using the Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to rank the items
asked in the survey and categorised them into high (RII>70%), medium (50%<RII<70%) or low
(RII<50%) importance levels. The findings show that the top-ranked sources of construction waste
categorised as high importance level are demolition, site clearance, and refurbishment. The causes,
insufficient construction waste management plan, incorrect materials, design changes, over-ordering,
errors in the contract document, and on-site technical errors are ranked as highly important. The top
common waste materials include concrete, brick, metal, wood, glass and paper. The importance of all
decision-making factors is high-rated; unexpectedly, environmental impact is the least important reason
for construction waste management contractors. The results provide a perspective of the current practices
of construction waste in Malaysia. The outcome is useful for waste managers and policymakers in
developing potential waste management strategies for a more sustainable construction industry.