REBRI: Reducing building material waste

Reduce the resources being used and redesign to avoid producing waste.

The first layer of the waste hierarchy is about getting smarter about what we use and how we make things, to avoid generating waste in the first place. For example, not using unnecessary packaging; constructing things more efficiently, so there are fewer offcuts; selling soap in bars rather than in plastic bottles; and simply making things that last longer.

Keep things in use for as long as possible, without significant reprocessing.

The second layer of the waste hierarchy is about continuing to use things for as long as possible once they have been made. This includes making it easy to get something repaired; reusing containers (such as refill systems for groceries); or repurposing used timber to make raised garden beds. Repurposing includes food rescue and using unwanted by-products from one process as the raw materials for another process. Recycling and composting are part of both the circular and waste management systems. However, they are the least preferred form of circular management, although the best form of waste management.

Process materials to make the same or different material of similar value when reuse is no longer possible.

The middle layer of the waste hierarchy is about reprocessing things, so their materials can be used again. Ideally, they are remade into the same thing, so the materials stay in use at the same value. Melting down glass bottles to make new bottles and recycling aluminium cans are examples of how materials can be used indefinitely. ‘Downcycling’ means reprocessing something to a less valuable use. For example, turning soft plastics into fence posts or crushing glass to use in roading. The more that materials get downcycled, the less likely they can be recycled again. Compost is specific to organic material. Because it returns nutrients in organic material to the soil, and helps regeneration, it is a form of recycling: it keeps materials in use rather than disposing of them. Anaerobic digestion of organic material produces biogas, as well as solid and liquid material, to return to the soil.

Recover any remaining value, sustainably and without increasing emissions (eg, chemical recycling, renewable energy).

Some technologies extract the remaining value from materials before, or while, they are disposed of. Waste-to-energy facilities are a common example. However, recovering value must be done without increasing emissions or instead of a preferred method higher in the waste hierarchy. Ideally, these facilities process renewable material.

For any truly residual waste, treat to remove or reduce potential harm before final disposal.

The bottom layer of the waste hierarchy is about permanently disposing of materials. Traditionally, this means using landfills and incinerators. The bottom layer should be reserved for residual waste that can no longer be used in any other way. Final disposal of waste often needs to be accompanied by some form of treatment, to minimise the environmental effects.

• conserve space in existing landfills and cleanfills and reduce the need for future landfills and cleanfills
• reduce greenhouse gas emissions from degradable construction waste (in landfills) and from material manufacture as the volume of material going to waste is reduced
• for destructive demolition, reduce other impacts (noise, dust and traffic) on surrounding properties and streets

• for construction, more efficient use of products means reduced costs of purchasing new materials
• improve work efficiencies through accurate detailed design, a focus on reducing rework, temporary works and mistakes
• reduce waste disposal costs
• for demolition, earn revenue from salvaged building parts and recycled materials
• win contracts for projects that specify waste reduction procedures
• improve productivity of staff

• minimise the effect of hazardous or nuisance wastes on the community.
• innovation and challenges (for example, the training and skills required for deconstruction) can help to attract and retain employees who are keen to develop skills.
• a high level of client satisfaction could enhance your company's image and encourage repeat business.
• improve site safety through better waste management.
• for demolition, reduce risks from hazardous materials due to more careful dismantling techniques and correct removal and disposal (e.g. asbestos)