Dealing with Plastics

Plastics in construction

Plastics are widely used in the construction sector, but they create a lot of waste and environmental pollution. We need to rethink how we deal with plastics. They are useful materials and can be a valuable resource when recycled and reused.

Why does it matter? 

Most of the plastic waste from building sites ends up in landfill. It takes up a lot of space and takes hundreds of years to break down. One residential build on average produces plastic waste equivalent to 634,000 plastic bags. The stuff that doesn’t make it to landfill or get recycled often ends up in waterways and damages ecosystems.

Plastic waste types and sources:

Different plastics and quantities will be generated at different stages of the build. Doing some planning before you start building can make it easier and more efficient to separate waste and recycling. If possible, avoid the plastic arriving on your site. For example, ask for building supplies to delivered without being wrapped.

There are three main categories of plastic waste on construction sites: 

• building protection – single-use wrap that protects the building from weather 
• product/materials packaging – like timber wrap, bubble wrap, strapping, etc
• construction components – eg pipe offcuts, polystyrene insulation offcuts, damp proof membrane etc

Want to know more?

• Download A4 bin signage
• Download A3 bin signage
• BRANZ Resource Recovery Map – find local recycling providers and services 
• Sustainability Awareness Board
• Sustainability Zero Waste Board