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

Joanne K. Low (), Samuel Berry, German Hernandez, Penelope Thomson, Gregor Steinhorn, Harshal Waghela, Cole Briggs, Ciarán Berry and Terri-Ann Berry
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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
Penelope Thomson: Environmental Innovation Centre, Auckland 0620, New Zealand
Gregor Steinhorn: Environmental Innovation Centre, Auckland 0620, 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

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-14

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.

Keywords: plastic waste; construction waste; circular economy; characterisation; recycling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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