A field based methodology for estimating waste generation rates at various stages of construction projects

•Estimation of generated rates is the first step for managing construction waste (CW).•Limitations of existing methods for CW estimation were argued.•A field-based methodology was developed to estimate CW generation rates.•The methodology was illustrated using data collected from 28 construction sites.•The estimated CW generation rates were used to develop a generalized CW management plan. The growth in construction activities over the past two decades has resulted in a parallel increase in the amount of generated construction waste. This growth, coupled with shortages in landfill space particularly in urban areas, has proven to be a challenging stressor to the environment. Management of construction waste has thus become a problem attracting increasing attention worldwide. In this context, the quantification of waste streams generated from various construction stages is the first step for managing construction waste. In this study, a methodology for quantifying waste streams arising at various construction stages is proposed. The methodology is then tested at a field scale to estimate generation rates for major waste streams and the total construction waste generation rate for the purpose of developing a generalized construction waste management plan that can be applied at a city/regional/country level. The results of the study reveal that the total construction waste generation rate falls within the range of 38–43kg/m2, with masonry and concrete constituting more than 60% of the total waste. The study concludes with a set of recommendations addressing the most important issues contributing to a successful implementation of an integrated construction waste management plan.