THE PROBLEM
Construction, renovation, and demolition (CRD) activities are one of the largest sources of waste globally, yet much of this material is still usable.
According to research highlighted by the BBC, the construction industry generates around one-third of the world’s total waste. A significant portion of this includes materials like wood, metal, and fixtures that could be reused but are instead discarded.
On a local level, municipalities like the City of Guelph emphasize that construction waste makes up a major part of landfill contributions. Their 2024 guidebook outlines that many materials from building projects can be diverted, reused, or recycled, yet proper systems and connections are often missing.
Construction Materials Are Being Wasted
CONNECTION TO SCHOOLS
At the same time, schools and educational programs are facing ongoing funding shortages. Reporting from The Local shows that years of underfunding have left schools with limited resources, including materials for hands-on learning in construction and trades programs.
This creates a clear gap:
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Useful materials are being thrown away
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Schools lack access to affordable building resources
Additionally, data from Circular Economy Month highlights that improving waste reduction systems and reuse practices is essential to reducing environmental impact and supporting sustainable communities.
Resources
“Construction, Renovation and Demolition Waste Management Guidebook.
” City of Guelph, 9 Jan. 2024, guelph.ca/living/environment/garbage-and-recycling/construction-renovation-and-
demolition-waste-management-guidebook/.
Leung, Wency.
“How Decades of Underfunding Eroded Toronto’s Schools | the Local.
” The Local, 29 Aug. 2024, thelocal.to/education-toronto-district-school-board-funding/.
Miller, Norman.
“The Industry Creating a Third of the World’s Waste.
” BBC, www.bbc.com, 16 Dec. 2021, www.bbc.com/future/article/20211215-the-buildings-made-from-rubbish.
“Waste Reduction Facts & Stats.
” Circular Economy Month, 2023, circulareconomymonth.ca/themes/waste-reduction-week/.