Effective on-site waste minimisation approaches in Indian construction projects

Title

Effective on-site waste minimisation approaches in Indian construction projects

Creator

Roy, Ron V; Beulah, M.

Description

Indias rapidly expanding construction sector generates substantial material waste, creating environmental and economic challenges that are often intensified by weak on-site waste management (WM) practices. This study investigates effective approaches for minimising material waste in building construction projects using a mixed-methods research design. The research integrates a systematic literature review, expert interviews, and a large-scale questionnaire survey to identify and prioritise waste minimisation strategies. From an initial set of 38 practices, 15 key strategies were shortlisted through descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Their practical effectiveness was then evaluated through longitudinal monitoring of material waste across seven construction stages at four active residential sites. The results indicate a consistent reduction in material wastage following the implementation of targeted interventions. By triangulating expert insights, industry perceptions, and empirical site-based evidence, this study moves beyond perception-based assessments and provides empirical validation of waste minimisation strategies under real construction conditions in a developing-country context. The findings demonstrate that sustained waste reduction depends on an integrated approach combining human behaviour, managerial control, and proactive planning from early project stages. The study offers practical guidance for improving material efficiency, reducing costs, and advancing sustainable construction practices in India. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Japan KK, part of Springer Nature 2026.

Source

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management;

Date

01-01-2026

Publisher

Springer

Subject

Construction waste minimisation; India; Material efficiency; Material wastage; On-site waste management; Residential construction; Sustainable construction

Coverage

Roy R.V., Department of Civil Engineering, Christ University, Bengaluru, 560074, India; Beulah M., Department of Civil Engineering, Christ University, Bengaluru, 560074, India

Rights

Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library

Relation

ISSN: 14384957;

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-026-02557-9

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105035853730?origin=resultslist