Options for waste minimisation in New Zealand's non-domestic construction industry

Abstract

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste makes up the largest component of waste deposited in landfills and cleanfills in Wellington and Auckland (based on estimates for cleanfilled waste) and 17% of the total landfilled waste in New Zealand. It is unnecessary for this waste to be deposited in landfills and cleanfills when the majority has the potential to be diverted through reduction, reuse and recycling. This thesis examines the potential for waste minimisation in New Zealand's non-domestic construction industry. It discusses initiatives and regulations in place in Australia and England and outlines the current situation in New Zealand with regard to waste minimisation in the non-domestic construction industry. Results of interviews with eight building contracting organisations in Auckland and Wellington and with representatives from central and local government and the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) are presented. The results suggest that financial incentives combined with the establishment of markets for recycling are crucial for encouraging building contracting organisations to minimise on-site construction waste. It is suggested that New Zealand needs national consistency on issues concerning waste. To achieve this it is recommended that a national policy statement under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and a national programme, similar to the Wastewise Construction Program in Australia, be adopted. This needs to be combined with an increase in landfill charges, education and the establishment of markets for recycling. Most importantly the construction industry, including designers and suppliers, central and local government, BRANZ and waste collection firms need to work together to find ways of minimising the quantity of waste going to landfills and cleanfills.