Using 3R-Based Circular Economy
in Akwa Ibom State
SECOND EDITION
By Nsikak E. Udo
Department of Quantity Surveying,
Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic
Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Abstract
The building construction sector in Akwa Ibom State is faced by challenges of materials waste, rising costs and environmental degradation. The study aimed at assessing building materials waste management strategies using 3R (reuse, reduce, recycle) circular economy approach with a view to enhancing the cost efficiency and sustainability of construction projects in Akwa Ibom State. The objectives were to examine the waste management strategies in the study area, assess the level of implementation of strategies with 3R principle among stakeholders and to recommend practical measures to enhance circular waste material practice in the State. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 243 firms, while semi-structured interviews with 65 construction professionals from 10 building construction project in the State were used to obtain qualitative results. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, relative important index and Factor Analysis using SPSS. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis from software (NV100 11). Results obtained revealed that reuse of formwork and scaffolding (RII 0.788), materials waste reuse (RII 0.735), on-site sorting and segregation of waste (RII 0.665) ranked the first three waste management strategies among others. Findings revealed that reuse was commonly practiced in the State; though there is greater awareness in reduce and recycling practice. Both quantitative and qualitative data agreed that adopting 3R-based waste management strategies are important for minimizing material waste. The study therefore concluded that adopting 3R-based waste management approach is both economically and environmentally beneficial. It recommends that government policies mandate 3R integration in project planning, capacity building and programmes among others.
Keywords: circular economy, recycle, reuse, strategies, waste.
1.0 Introduction
Construction waste and demolition waste has accounted for over 35% of the total solid waste generated annually globally (Cheng et al., 2015). Its impact both economically and environmentally has prompted the emergence of sustainable practice s such as the 3Rs ( Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) of circular economy. Reports from Europe indicated that circular economy (CE) has significantly reduced landfill disposal, foster sustainable materials usage as well as recycling (European Commission, 2020). The Japan Construction Industry has also mandated recycling laws in favour of segregation and reuse of concrete, wood, and metal waste (Kibert, 2016).
According to Ajayi et al. (2017) low and middle-income countries have experience weak regulations, rapid urbanization and lack of waste segregation policies. As a result, materials wastages on construction sites have been intensified. In their view, Kaur and Arora (2021) stated that over 50% of materials used in construction sites are wasted due to poor logistics and planning. In sub-Saharan Africa, waste management on sites is often informal, lacking systematic recycling incentives (Akadiri, 2011). In the same vein, Adewuyi and Odesola (2021) opined that implementation remains limited due to lack of infrastructure, policy gap and low technical capacity.
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Editor’s note: Second Editions are previously published papers that have continued relevance in today’s project management world, or which were originally published in conference proceedings or in a language other than English. Original publication acknowledged; authors retain copyright. This paper was originally presented at the 1st International Conference, The Quantity Surveyor’s Edge, Department of Quantity Surveying, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria, 25-26 June 2025. It is republished here with permission of the authors and conference organizers.
How to cite this paper: Edo, N. E.. (2026). Building Construction Material Waste Management Strategies Using 3R-Based Circular Economy in Akwa Ibom State; Originally presented at the 1st International Conference, The Quantity Surveyor’s Edge, Department of Quantity Surveying, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria, 25-26 June 2025; republished in the PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue IX, September. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/pmwj168-Sep2026-Udo-Construction-Material-Waste-Management-Strategies-2nd-Ed.pdf
About the Author
Nsikak Emmanuel Udo
Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
Nsikak Emmanuel Udo is a senior Lecturer in the department of Quantity surveying, Akwa Ibom state Polytechnic. He holds a MSc in Quantity surveying and currently pursuing his PhD in construction project management in Enugu State University of Science and Technology. His research interest is in climate change resilience and cost management of infrastructures. He is a member of Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) and had registered with Quantity Surveying Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN). He is currently the Head of Department and has attended conferences, publishing more than 15 journal papers.
