Abstract

ROSALES-CALVO, Sheyla María; ABARCAGUERRERO, Lilliana  and  LEANDRO-HERNANDEZ, Ana Grettel. Construction hazardous waste in Costa Rica and its environmental impacts. Tecnología en Marcha [online]. 2022, vol.35, n.4, pp.95-103. ISSN 0379-3982.  http://dx.doi.org/10.18845/tm.v35i4.6400.

Historically the construction sector has been one of the most important contributors in the economy, since it generates many jobs, thus creating income and progress for the local economy.

However, it causes significant environmental damage as it produces a large amount of waste, some of which are considered hazardous. Despite this, the country does not have an adequate waste management system for those of the construction sector. For this reason, this article has the intention to report on a research done in order to identify the hazardous waste of the construction sector and its environmental impacts. The data were collected through secondary sources, as well as surveys to personnel of construction companies, field visits and focus group consultations. Among the hazardous wastes identified in construction in the country include: acids, solvents, detergents, additives for concrete, oil containers, lubricants, brake fluids, fuels, paint residues and their packaging, concrete release agent, treated wood with chemical compounds, welding residues, silicone and sealants, contaminated soil, utensils containing chemicals and fluorescent tubes. Each of the hazardous waste identified is associated with negative environmental impact in soil, water or air. 100% of them have negative effects on water quality, despite this, it was found that less than 40% of the surveyed companies reuse or recover for recycling these residues and none of them manage adequately all the hazardous waste they generate.

Keywords : Hazardous waste; construction; environmental impacts; Costa Rica.

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