How should waste be managed on highway projects?

The correct approach to managing waste on highway projects is through recycling, reuse, and proper disposal. This method aligns with sustainable practices that aim to minimize the environmental impact of construction activities. By focusing on recycling, materials can be processed and repurposed, reducing the volume of waste that needs to be disposed of. Reusing materials when possible not only conserves resources but also cuts down on the need for new materials, which can significantly lower the overall environmental footprint of a project.

Proper disposal is also essential to ensure that any waste produced is handled in a way that complies with environmental regulations and standards, minimizing pollution and harm to surrounding areas. This comprehensive strategy helps to promote a circular economy within construction practices, where waste outputs can be transformed back into resources, ultimately supporting sustainability goals and responsible environmental stewardship.

Other approaches such as incinerating all waste or burying non-recyclable materials do not provide a sustainable solution and can lead to environmental hazards. Contracting with a waste removal agency, while beneficial for logistics, does not inherently ensure that waste will be managed sustainably unless the agency itself employs environmentally responsible practices. Thus, the combination of recycling, reuse, and appropriate disposal is the most effective and environmentally friendly strategy for waste management in highway projects.