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Comprehensive Plastic Waste Characterisation to Enhance Landfill Diversion in New Zealand’s Construction Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Joanne K. Low

    (Environmental Innovation Centre, Auckland 0620, New Zealand)

  • Samuel Berry

    (Environmental Innovation Centre, Auckland 0620, New Zealand)

  • German Hernandez

    (Environmental Innovation Centre, Auckland 0620, New Zealand
    Research and Enterprise, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland 1025, New Zealand)

  • Penelope Thomson

    (Environmental Innovation Centre, Auckland 0620, New Zealand
    Research and Enterprise, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland 1025, New Zealand)

  • Gregor Steinhorn

    (Environmental Innovation Centre, Auckland 0620, New Zealand
    Research and Enterprise, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland 1025, New Zealand)

  • Harshal Waghela

    (School of Future Environments, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

  • Cole Briggs

    (Environmental Innovation Centre, Auckland 0620, New Zealand)

  • Ciarán Berry

    (Environmental Innovation Centre, Auckland 0620, New Zealand)

  • Terri-Ann Berry

    (Environmental Innovation Centre, Auckland 0620, New Zealand
    School of Future Environments, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

Abstract

The plastic profile of construction waste is varied and complex, particularly when compared to other waste streams such as timber, concrete, metals, and plasterboard. There are fewer incentives for recycling this low-density, low-value waste stream. Plastic waste generated by construction activities remains poorly characterised, obstructing efforts to optimise reduction, reuse, and recycling practices. To understand its types and sources, and better address plastic waste management, this study audited plastic waste produced across six new-build construction sites in Auckland, New Zealand. A total of 7.2 tonnes of plastic construction waste was collected on-site and audited. Plastics were separated, weighed, and categorised by function and construction stage. Polymer type was determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. In total, 62% of plastic waste was diverted from landfill through reuse or recycling. On average, 0.61 kg of plastic was generated per m 2 of construction. Soft plastics were the most generated by mass (33%), followed by PVC and HDPE pipes (22%), shrink wrap (12%), and expanded polystyrene (5%). The majority of plastic waste was generated in the final stages of the projects. The authors recommend the separation of soft plastic, pipes, shrink wrap, and polystyrene on construction sites, particularly towards the finishing stages of construction.

Suggested Citation

  • Joanne K. Low & Samuel Berry & German Hernandez & Penelope Thomson & Gregor Steinhorn & Harshal Waghela & Cole Briggs & Ciarán Berry & Terri-Ann Berry, 2025. "Comprehensive Plastic Waste Characterisation to Enhance Landfill Diversion in New Zealand’s Construction Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:6:p:2742-:d:1615996
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Young-Chan Kim & Yuan-Long Zhang & Won-Jun Park & Gi-Wook Cha & Jung-Wan Kim & Won-Hwa Hong, 2019. "Analysis of Waste Generation Characteristics during New Apartment Construction—Considering the Construction Phase," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-15, September.
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