# Waste Reduction Methods Used in Construction Companies with Regards to Selected Building Products
## 2 Literature Review  
### Definition of Construction Waste  
There are several definitions of construction waste in the subject literature. One says that construction waste is the primary waste stream generated by modern society, the amount of which is increasing with worldwide urbanization [4]. Generally, construction waste can be defined as materials produced \"by the production, construction, renovation, or demolition of structures\" [5], as well as during excavation work [6]. According to Building Research Establishment (BRE) (1978), construction waste is defined as \"the difference between materials ordered and those used to build a building\". A more precise definition was given by [PERSON] [7], and it reads: \"construction and demolition waste is a complex waste stream, which consists of a wide range of materials, such as rubble, earth (author's note--cut and fill), concrete, steel, wood, and a mixture of materials resulting from a variety of construction activities including ground removal, demolition, road works, and building refurbishment created during the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings, roads, and bridges.\" [8]. According to studies by [PERSON] and [PERSON], construction waste generated throughout the life cycle of a building \"is waste generated during the construction, renovation, reconstruction, superstructure, and demolition phases of a building object\". [9]. In Polish legislation, in the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment from 9 December 2014 regarding the cataloguing of waste, waste was classified into 20 groups--depending on the source of its origin. Construction waste is defined as \"waste from the construction, renovation, and dismantling of buildings and road infrastructure (including ground and soil from contaminated areas)\" [10].  
The federal law of the United Arab Emirates defines waste as all toxic and non-toxic waste, including nuclear waste, that must be disposed of and utilized in accordance with the law. It includes solid waste, such as municipal, industrial, agricultural, medical, and construction waste [11]. In Abu Dhabi, construction waste is defined in a very detailed way as a non-segregated product (other than an asbestos-containing product) that comes from: (1) the demolition, assembly, construction, renovation, or reconstruction of buildings other than: chemical plants, waste disposal facilities, mines, container renovation plants; (2) the construction, replacement, repair, or modification of infrastructure, including products such as: bricks, concrete, paper, plastic, glass, metal, and wood (including unsorted wood but excluding wood chemically treated with such agents as: chromium copper arsenate, creosote, organic solvents, and impregnating agents). Construction waste does not include soil obtained during the removal of land for construction [12]. According to local Dubai law, construction waste is construction and demolition waste that contains materials such as wood, steel, concrete, dust, sand, etc. [13].  
A report prepared by the Symonds group on behalf of the European Union Commission in 1999 defines construction waste as a wide range of products that result from the complete or partial demolition of buildings/roads, the construction of buildings/roads, land removal, construction works, and restoration works on buildings/roads [14]. The definitions cited above show that construction waste is an unnecessary material generated during all construction activities [15].