History and Current Status of Improper Construction Waste Disposal – From 2001 to the 2020s

History and Current Status of Improper Construction Waste Disposal – From 2001 to the 2020s In 2001, the improper disposal of construction waste began to attract attention as an environmental issue in Japan, and discussions on promoting the reuse of construction by-products began. At the time, a shortage of disposal facilities and illegal dumping were major problems, leading to widespread damage such as groundwater contamination and the deterioration of the landscape. Local governments, in particular, were lagging behind in establishing the infrastructure necessary for proper disposal, making immediate action an urgent priority. Against this backdrop, the proper disposal of materials containing asbestos became a major challenge, and safety measures were implemented to mitigate health risks for workers. Additionally, while the use of construction waste as recycled materials was encouraged and some local governments introduced subsidy programs, these efforts did not lead to widespread adoption. The 2010s: Progress and Challenges In the 2010s, the full implementation of the Construction Recycling Act led to improvements in separate collection and recycling rates. Particularly in urban areas, the disposal of construction waste generated by large-scale redevelopment projects became a critical issue. For example, in redevelopment districts in Tokyo, separate collection of construction waste was strictly enforced, with some projects reporting recycling rates exceeding 80%. On the other hand, a shortage of processing facilities remained a problem in rural areas, and in 2013, the disposal of massive amounts of construction waste generated by the earthquake recovery efforts in the Tohoku region became a major focus. While temporary processing facilities were established as part of recovery support initiatives, this did not lead to the development of permanent facilities. Furthermore, in the mid-2010s, the development of asbestos removal technologies advanced, and major general contractors such as Takenaka Corporation and Kajima Corporation put these new technologies into practical use. This improved work efficiency and significantly reduced health risks to workers associated with the handling of asbestos-containing materials. The 2020s: Current Status and Challenges Since the start of the 2020s, the issue of construction waste disposal has become even more serious. In Tokyo, approximately 4 million tons of construction waste are generated annually, and about 20% of that is not being properly recycled. As an example of improper disposal, an illegal dumping incident involving asbestos-containing waste occurred in the suburbs of Saitama Prefecture, resulting in reports of groundwater contamination and health hazards for residents. While recycling rates have improved, they remain low compared to European countries. According to 2022 data, Japan’s recycling rate stands at 72%, falling short of Germany’s approximately 90%. A particular challenge is the immaturity of technologies for reusing mixed waste, such as wood and plastic. Corporate initiatives are also making progress. Shimizu Corporation has introduced sorting robots utilizing AI technology to achieve efficient waste sorting. Obayashi Corporation has developed asbestos decontamination technology and is expanding its application at demolition sites. In terms of legal regulations, the 2020 amendment to the Construction Recycling Act requires prime contractors to submit waste sorting plans and has strengthened penalties for illegal dumping. Deterrents have been reinforced, with violators facing fines of up to 100 million yen. Regions are pursuing initiatives tailored to their specific circumstances. In Hokkaido, the development of treatment facilities is progressing by leveraging the region’s vast land area. In urban areas, the use of mobile processing units is on the rise. Through these efforts, the realization of a resource-recycling society is being pursued. Over the past 20 years, while challenges remain regarding the proper disposal of construction waste, certain improvements have been observed thanks to technological innovation, stricter regulations, and corporate efforts. Moving forward, it is essential for local communities, businesses, and citizens to work together to achieve sustainable waste management.