Investigation of Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Construction and Civil Waste in Gorgan and its Financial Feasibility of Recycling

Lack of proper management of construction wastes can have devastating environmental, economic and social effects, so it is important to examine the quantity, quality and economic justification of waste processing. In order to quantitatively estimate the construction wastes of Gorgan, a city in north east Iran in the year 1394, two parameters including “number of unloads” and “car load" were used. Financial feasibility was also assessed using Net Present Value and Break-Even Point method. The results of quantitative analysis showed that an average of 264 tons per day summing up to a yearly 96861 tons of construction waste are dumped in landfills. Soil with 33.5% comprised the highest percentage of construction wastes and the lowest was wood with 1%. The financial feasibility analysis of establishing a center for construction wastes processing in Gorgan did not justify it economically. However, if in addition to Gorgan, the construction wastes of four neighboring cities are also processed, then the plan becomes economically acceptable. In this case, the net present value reaches Break-Even Point after nine years and eleven months, after which it becomes profitable. Therefore, accumulation of construction wastes of the four neighboring cities justifies the recycling plan. In addition, this practice will lead to financial profitability, reduce environmental pollution and the pressure of public opinion and ultimately will help moving towards the sustainable development of the region.