DS-1.7 Waste Minimisation 

Following a national review of the New Zealand Waste Strategy and as required by the Waste Minimisation Act, Council adopted a new Waste Management and Minimisation Plan in 2016 with a vision to minimise waste to landfill. 

Traditional development industry views on waste included a belief that it is only created by contractors on site. However, the decisions made by developers and designers can have a significant influence on:

1. The type of waste produced on a project. 
2. The amount of waste produced on a project.
3. The construction method e.g. whether to excavate and dump, abandon, demolish or retrofit as the method of choice, the design / construction specifications that are prescribed. 
4. Material / Product selection.

Minimisation of waste reduces the environmental impact of development. It can result in financial savings, create opportunities for improved cost / benefit results and provides a “feel-good” factor relating to achieving environmentally responsible project outcomes.

Developers and designers are encouraged to discuss waste minimisation considerations & options with Councils Manager: Resource Recovery & Waste prior to the commencement of design and / or the production of construction specifications.

DS-1.7.1   Project Principles 

Developers and designers are encouraged to ensure waste reduction is an integral part of their project by:

1. Committing to a waste minimisation philosophy.
2. Researching and gathering information. 
3. Establishing waste minimisation goals.
4. Carefully considering site development, use and disestablishment.

These principles should then carry through and influence the concept design, detailed design, material / product selection, documentation and construction methods.

DS-1.7.2   Design Considerations 

The following are considerations that a designer is encouraged to incorporate into their design philosophy:

1. Identify reuse and recycling opportunities for proposed new materials, products, excess materials i.e. concrete, soil and existing materials and products to be removed as part of the project. 
2. Identify the volume and type of waste material generated by the project. 
3. Identify appropriate destinations for waste products that require specialist treatment e.g. hazardous substances, contaminated soils, asbestos etc.
4. Reduce vegetation removal (this often becomes solid waste).
5. Identify vegetation-composting opportunities. 
6. Design to the contours of the land. Minimise cut and fill to ensure minimal impact due to soil excavation. 
7. Use materials that have a long-term asset life and have a reuse value after their primary operating timeframe expires.
8. Identify opportunities to reuse existing materials 
9. Provide appropriate loading and storage for private rubbish bins / compost bins / recycling within private lots or designated areas.
10. Provide appropriate loading, storage, pick up areas and accessibility for collection vehicles to undertake collection.

Definitions in this section

Contractor

Council

Design

Designer

Developer