Sustainable Waste Management

Between 2010 and 2016, commercial waste sent to Auckland landfills increased significantly, primarily due to a surge in construction and demolition (C&D) waste. In comparison to other C&D waste materials like concrete, metals and timber, plastic waste is usually sent to landfill as it is relatively low value and lightweight. An estimated 25,000 tonnes of plastic waste is sent to Auckland landfills each year, where they can take up large volumes, degrade into microplastics and enter the surrounding environment.

EIC aim to divert plastic waste from landfills by studying the types of plastic waste coming from construction sites, avoiding these plastics where possible, and sending them to local recyclers. This involves training site staff on waste separation best practices, auditing (identifying and recording) plastic waste, analysing the chemical composition, and contacting recyclers to discuss potential recycling options. We use this information to inform project managers, site staff and procurement teams on ways to reduce plastic waste sent to landfill. Our goal is to establish connections between recycling facilities, transportation companies, and construction sites to produce holistic solutions for managing plastic waste on construction sites nationwide.

In addition to plastic waste and C&D waste, EIC is currently working with the aged care sector to identify problematic waste and ways to avoid its generation.