An Examination of the Development of the Construction and Demolition Waste-Related Regulations in Turkey

Abstract

In order to manage construction and demolition (C&D) waste, which is harmful to the natural environment and human health, legislation has been introduced throughout the world. In Turkey, the most comprehensive regulation that deals only with C&D waste management (WM), entered into force in 2004. However, changes in the construction sector from 2004 until the present has led to inadequacies in some areas of this regulation. Therefore, a new draft regulation was prepared in 2017. This study is conducted to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the C&D WM regulations, identify the problems, and give recommendations. A three-stage methodology is adopted that includes a literature review, classifying the findings and analysing the relevant literature under the five main topics (the objective and the extent of the regulations, occupational health and safety issues, planning the demolition, collecting and transporting the produced waste, and establishing and operating the recovery plants). The findings show that the draft regulation contains arrangements for Turkey’s current conditions. The terms of the draft regulation have brought more importance to environmental and human health, and occupational health and safety issues. However, only asbestos has been highlighted in the draft regulation as a hazardous waste. The draft regulation includes a limited arrangement regarding the waste produced in the case of refurbishment projects. It is assumed that eliminating the deficiencies in the draft regulation and the enactment of it will be an important step. Thus, environmental and economic benefits for Turkey will follow.