Reducing construction and demolition waste

Why is reducing this kind of waste important?

Construction and demolition (C&D) activities generate 40-50% of the total waste going to landfill in our country. A large proportion of these resources could be diverted from landfill by recycling or reuse, which hasn't been the case so far. We are committed to changing this by promoting sustainable practices in the building industry. Reducing C&D waste not only conserves valuable resources but also reduces the strain on our landfills, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and supports a healthier environment for our community.

How we'll reduce C&D waste

Effective C&D waste reduction can be achieved through a combination of planning, resource management, and community engagement. Here are some key strategies to consider:

• Design for deconstruction: Incorporate materials and methods that allow buildings to be easily disassembled and reused.
• Source separation: Separate materials on-site making them easier to recycle and reuse.
• Use recycled materials: Choose recycled or reclaimed materials for new projects.
• Deconstruction: Choose deconstruction over demolition. On average, up to 90% of a house’s materials can be saved from landfill this way.
• Waste audits: Conduct regular waste audits to identify opportunities for reduction and improved waste management practices.
• Education and training: Stay informed about best practices and innovative solutions in waste reduction.

Initiatives and Resources

Builder's Breakfasts 

The Builder’s Breakfasts is a series of events that bring together industry members to discuss best practices, share experiences, and learn about the latest developments in C&D waste reduction. These informal breakfast meetings are usually held on an industry site and are a great place for networking and collaboration.

The events are open to anyone in the industry. To join the mailing list and get updates on the next event, email less.waste@tasman.govt.nz.

C&D Waste Working Group

The Construction and Demolition Working Group brings together key industry stakeholders and local government representatives to identify the challenges in reducing C&D waste in this region, and to develop and implement strategies for overcoming these.

To register your interest in joining this working group, please email less.waste@tasman.govt.nz.

C&D Waste Reduction Guide and Directory

In partnership with Nelson City Council and Gibbons-Naylor, we have developed a C&D Waste Reduction Guide and Directory to support builders and contractors in their efforts to minimize waste.

This guide provides a Resource Diversion Directory and tips for effective waste management. The directory lists local services who may be able to offer C&D resource diversion solutions.

Access the guide and directory here. (pdf 1.7 MB)

For more information on our C&D waste reduction initiatives, please contact less.waste@tasman.govt.nz or check this page for updates on upcoming events and resources.