A model for municipal management of CDW

Abstract Construction & demolition waste (CDW) is the waste generated during construction, demolition, renovation and repair works. The generation of CDW is high in the current production systems, organized in line with the generation and disposal of waste materials. In an attempt to alleviate this problem, some municipalities in Brazil have started using differentiated management of CDW, notably after the issue of Resolution 307/2002 (modified by Res. 348/2004, 431/2011 and 448/2012) by the National Environment Council (Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente - Conama) and Law 12,305 /2010, which established the National Policy for Solid Waste (Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos - PNRS). With the aim of helping municipalities to deal with the problem, this article, which results from a doctoral research study, presents a model for municipal management of CDW. Soft systems methodologies were used to map, organise and systematise different practices, legislation requirements, perceptions, concepts and the views of different actors involved with CDW in Brazil. The survey data was from 2009 to 2013, obtained through a literature review, indirect documentation in eight municipalities with good practices and direct documentation in the municipalities of Belo Horizonte and João Pessoa. The model was structured in 3 dimensions, which were subsequently detailed in strategies and targets. This model can help Brazilian municipalities to implement gradual and consistent improvements to deal with the challenge posed by CDW.