Earthquake Waste and Recycling

Earthquake Debris and Recycling Earthquake debris and concrete waste from collapsed buildings pose significant challenges in addition to the many other problems faced in earthquake-affected regions. Experts are conducting studies on how to manage this waste and proper collection methods. According to calculated data, approximately 170 million tonnes of debris waste will be encountered from the earthquake and its aftermath. Among these ruins are not only construction waste but also furniture, white goods, electronic devices and other materials. The main concern of experts is that debris piles pose a threat to human and natural life. When discussing debris piles that threaten human life, experts emphasise asbestos above all else. Until its ban in Turkey in 2010, asbestos was used in many buildings, and asbestos inhalation poses numerous health risks to humans. There is an asbestos hazard in buildings constructed and demolished before 2010. Additionally, dust emanating from these ruins is harmful to human health apart from asbestos. To prevent dust dispersal, experts emphasise the need to spray the debris with water. Through watering, dust rising from these ruins can be reduced to some extent.

Asbestos Hazards

Asbestos, also known as "aktoprak," was used in many industrial fields including construction until 2010. In buildings, asbestos was particularly used in insulation materials, floor and ceiling finishes, boiler room structural elements, and gaskets. Through factors such as building demolition, plaster falling, and roof integrity deterioration, asbestos fibres became airborne, and exposure to these fibres results in asbestos exposure. Prolonged asbestos exposure causes lung disease, calcification, and cancer. For this reason, it is important that debris is collected in a manner that causes minimum health damage. In particular, when hazardous waste is stored, care must be taken not to contaminate groundwater, and the soil properties of the area where this waste will be stored are crucial for this reason. Additionally, it is important that this waste is collected by professional teams with proper equipment. In particular, those collecting this debris must wear masks to protect their respiratory systems. Experts also recommend that people living near the debris wear masks.

Waste Recycling

In addition to asbestos, the disposal sites for this waste are also very important. Although not a toxic waste, leaving debris piles in nature will damage natural habitats and wetlands. For this reason, proper collection, storage, and where possible recycling of waste is very important from a sustainability perspective. Waste management should have two phases: the first phase is selecting temporary and final disposal sites in proportion to waste quantity. At the same time, safety measures against potential hazards must be implemented at these disposal sites. For example, debris must be kept above a certain level to guard against fire risk. The second phase of waste management is the recovery of this waste for economic benefit and natural life protection. Experts point out that recycling facilities should be established in debris areas. At these facilities, debris is separated, crushed, screened and classified, thus preparing waste for recycling. Recycling contributes to the economy and natural life protection while also creating new employment opportunities. In the area where construction and demolition waste is most valued, aggregate production emerges. Aggregate consists of mineral structures such as gravel and sand that are mixed with water and cement in the production of materials like mortar and concrete. According to research conducted, aggregate use provides 16% lower CO2 emissions and 35% lower energy consumption. This structure, also found in debris waste, can be used in road construction, concrete production and rehabilitation, and drainage systems, thus allowing this waste to be reused. Similarly, if debris piles are separated and stored properly, metals and wood within these ruins can also be recycled and used as raw materials for new products. For example, wood can be used as fuel or benefit from these materials for landscaping. In the region, alongside completely demolished buildings, there are structures that need to be demolished in a controlled manner. During demolition of these structures, equipment that is easy to remove (doors, windows, etc.) can be salvaged and reused. Deformed thermal insulation materials on external walls can also be collected and used as acoustic insulation materials in other buildings. Packaging waste generated can also be returned to suppliers for reuse. Through proper waste management, debris piles resulting from the earthquake can be properly utilised. By separating and recycling waste, both nature and human life are protected while also achieving economic efficiency.   References https://gcris.iyte.edu.tr/bitstream/11147/13198/1/AFET%20B%c3%96LGES%c4%b0%20YIKINTI%20ATI%c4%9eI%20 Y%c3%96NET%c4%b0M%c4%b0%20.pdf https://www.cmo.org.tr/deprem-bolgesinde-atik-yoenetimi https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2023/gundem/son-dakika-deprem-atiklarinin-yonetiminde-en-buyuk-sorun-zamanla-yaris-7611312/ https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/analiz/3-soruda-saha-bulgulari-deprem-atiklari-ve-cevreye-etkileri/2836176   Compiled by: Nilsu Kotil