A New Lynn construction site has successfully diverted an impressive 90 per cent-plus of its construction and demolition waste from landfill.
Auckland Council worked with Unitec’s Environmental Solutions Research Centre (ESRC) and developer Benton Ltd on the project, with a focus on recycling plastics as they make up a large volume of the waste that goes to landfill.
Auckland Council Senior Waste Planning Advisor Mark Roberts says it is a great result.
“This example strongly demonstrates that builders and demolition companies can stop a huge amount of waste going to landfill.
“The challenge that lies ahead is educating the wider industry about how to achieve significant reductions themselves and embrace the change. It is heartening to see that suppliers are also beginning to play their part by repurposing waste generated from products they sell. It all helps.”
Change is definitely needed with construction and demolition sites currently sending huge amounts to landfill; 568,935 tonnes a year – twice that of all household refuse collected throughout Auckland.
