Thesis (MTech (Quality))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010. / The proposed research will consist of an investigation into the prevalence of construction waste in construction companies in the Western Cape. Construction waste has been proved to have a negative effect on the economic strength of construction companies and on the environment. Currently, the South African construction industry is faced with low productivity compared to the manufacturing industry, which poses a serious challenge to the construction industry in its effort to deliver quality projects. Poor work quality and low productivity are the common problems of the industry. Storage, handling and flaws in management systems were also identified as major causes of construction waste. The construction industry has a critical role to play in ensuring economic growth and development in the formal and informal sectors of the South African economy. However, the industry faces some serious challenges in its endeavour to deliver infrastructure projects effectively. Contractors face many problems when undertaking construction projects owing to poor performance and their work is characterised by poor quality. In construction, higher productivity means seeing the final result sooner, which in turn creates customer satisfaction and ensures sustainability.