The History and Current Situation of Improper Disposal of Construction Waste - From 2001 to the 2020s

The History and Current Situation of Improper Disposal of Construction Waste - From 2001 to the 2020s

In 2001, improper disposal of construction waste became a major environmental issue in Japan, and discussions began on promoting the reuse of construction by-products. At the time, insufficient treatment facilities and illegal dumping were major problems, causing groundwater pollution and deteriorating landscapes. Especially in local municipalities, there was an urgent need to develop infrastructure for proper disposal.

Against this backdrop, the appropriate disposal of asbestos-containing materials became a critical issue, and safety measures to reduce health risks for workers were advanced. Moreover, the use of construction waste as recycled materials was encouraged, and some municipalities introduced subsidy systems, but these efforts did not expand widely.

**2010s: Progress and Challenges**

During the 2010s, the enforcement of the Construction Recycling Law became more significant, leading to advances in separated collection and increased recycling rates. In urban areas, major redevelopment projects made the management of construction waste a crucial issue. For example, in redevelopment districts in Tokyo, separated collection of construction waste was thoroughly implemented, with some projects reporting recycling rates exceeding 80%.

On the other hand, rural areas continued to face problems with insufficient treatment facilities. In 2013, the disposal of a large amount of construction waste generated during post-earthquake reconstruction in the Tohoku region became a focus. Temporary treatment facilities were set up as part of the reconstruction support efforts, but no permanent facilities were established.

Additionally, the mid-2010s saw advancements in asbestos removal technologies, with major general contractors such as Takenaka Corporation and Kajima Corporation commercializing new technologies. These innovations significantly improved work efficiency and reduced health risks associated with the treatment of asbestos-containing materials.

**2020s: Current Situation and Challenges**

In the 2020s, the issue of construction waste management has become even more pressing. In Tokyo, approximately 4 million tons of construction waste are generated annually, of which about 20% is not properly recycled. An example of improper disposal is the illegal dumping of asbestos-containing waste in suburban Saitama Prefecture, which caused groundwater pollution and reported health damage among residents.

While recycling rates have improved, they remain low compared to European countries. In 2022, Japan's recycling rate was 72%, still falling short of Germany's approximately 90%. Particularly, the reuse technology for mixed waste such as wood and plastics remains underdeveloped.

Corporate initiatives have also progressed. Shimizu Corporation introduced a new sorting robot utilizing AI technology, achieving efficient waste separation. Obayashi Corporation developed asbestos neutralization technology and expanded its application at demolition sites.

In terms of regulations, the 2020 amendment to the Construction Recycling Law required prime contractors to submit separation plans, and penalties for illegal dumping were strengthened. Violators now face fines of up to 100 million yen, enhancing deterrence.

Regional initiatives vary. In Hokkaido, extensive land has been utilized to develop treatment facilities, while in urban areas, the use of mobile treatment equipment has increased. These efforts aim to realize a resource-circulating society.

Over the past 20 years, while challenges remain in the proper treatment of construction waste, technological innovations, strengthened regulations, and corporate efforts have brought about certain improvements. Moving forward, it is essential for regions, companies, and citizens to work together to achieve sustainable waste management.