Material Use

Most materials from demolition sites can be reused or recycled. The materials that are salvaged for reuse and recycling depend on:

• current facilities and market demand in your area
• quality and condition of materials and components such as baths, doors etc
• time available for salvage.

Before deconstruction/demolition, consider what can be re-used on site. For example, a new building might be able to use existing materials or components (you’ll need to talk with the architect/designer, builder and/or client).

To find local markets for re-usable and recyclable goods:

• use local waste recycling directories (Auckland and Christchurch can be found on the Recycling Organisation of NZ website)
• look in the Yellow Pages for recyclers and salvaged goods dealers
• contact waste exchanges (see the Waste Management Institute of NZ website).

Requirements for recycled or re-used materials

Each market will have its own specifications for recycled or re-usable materials. Getting it wrong can cost. Before you start deconstruction, obtain specifications from recycling operators. You’ll need to find out:

• material type
• acceptable and unacceptable types of contamination or damage
• minimum or maximum quantities accepted
• containers or transportation requirements
• documentation required, including waste tracking forms
• sorting and handling requirements for each material type.

You can use the REBRI C&D Waste Transfer Form (PDF) to confirm to clients the source and nature of the waste provided.

Materials to recycle from construction sites

Key materials to target to recycle on a construction site, that have good markets in larger cities, include:

• steel  (reinforcing, wire, containers, etc)
• concrete (can be recycled as base coarse in driveways and footpaths)
• aluminium
• plastics (grades 1 and 2)
• paper and cardboard
• untreated timber (for firewood and mulch in landscaping)
• topsoil.

Materials to re-use or recycle from deconstruction/demolition

Depending on local markets, in general the following can be recycled in New Zealand:

• sitework and vegetation – asphalt paving, chain link fencing, wood fencing, trees
• concrete – cast in place and precast concrete
• masonry – concrete block, paving stones, brick, decorative concrete block
• metals – reinforcing steel (rebar), steel and zinc roofing, steel flashing, interior metal wall studs, structural steel, cast iron, copper, aluminium soffit , copper flashing and claddings, steel and copper spouting, lead, electrical and plumbing fixtures
• hardwood flooring – laminated beams, wood truss joists, treated or untreated heavy timbers/posts, joinery, untreated timber, engineered timber panels, untreated engineered timber panels
• terracotta tiles
• electrical wiring
• copper pipework
• wool carpet
• plastics such as high density polyethylene water pipes, PVC, polystyrene (resin codes 1 to 6).

Components that can readily be reused include:

• stairs
• timber such as hardwood flooring – weatherboards, laminated beams, wood truss joists, treated or untreated framing, heavy timbers/posts, native New Zealand timber
• thermal insulation – fibreglass , wool or polyester  insulation, polystyrene rigid insulation
• carpet/carpet tiles
• plumbing fixtures – baths, sinks, toilets, taps, service equipment, hot water heaters
• electrical fittings – light fittings, switches, thermostats
• linings and finishings –  architraves and skirtings, wood panelling, specialty wood fittings, joinery
• doors and windows – metal and wood doors or bi-fold doors, overhead doors, metal sliding doors, mechanical closures, panic hardware, patio doors, aluminium windows, steel windows, sealed glass units, unframed glass mirrors, store fronts, skylights, glass from windows and doors, wood or metal from frames
• clay and concrete roof tiles
• metal wall and roof cladding
• PVC and metal spouting.

Hazardous materials

In the interests of health and safety, you should check the removal and disposal requirements of hazardous materials with your city or district council. Hazardous wastes from demolition of buildings includes:

• fluorescent light ballasts manufactured prior to 1978 – contain PCBs
• fluorescent lamps – contain mercury
• refrigeration, air conditioning, and other equipment that contain refrigerants made using CFCs
• batteries – contain lead, mercury and acid
• left over solvent-borne paints, solvents and other hazardous fluids (one major paint manufacturer will take back old and left over paint – a charge applies for paints not made by them)
• materials containing asbestos fibres – roof and wall cladding, pipe insulation, some vinyl flooring and textured ceilings, roofing membrane sheets (eg Nuralite)
• lead or materials containing it – flashings, paint, bath and basin wastes.
• Specifications must include a clause that left over cement, sand, paint and other liquids must not be washed down the stormwater or sewerage disposal systems.

For your clients

To help your clients understand the benefits of reducing construction waste, refer them to www.smarterhomes.org.nz/construction.