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Implementing waste sorting and storage on-site

Implementing waste sorting and storage on the construction site can be a great way to manage your materials effectively. Since all sites vary in size and layout, it may not always be easy to find extra storage space, but incorporating even just one or two of the tips on this page can contribute to smoother operations during your project.

✔️ Separate waste based on construction phases

Different waste types occur at different stages of the building project, meaning that you won’t need to have all the waste containers on site for the entire duration.

It’s recommended to separate your waste based on the different stages of construction:

  1. Foundations and earthworks - timber, concrete, soil, vegetation
  2. Framing - metal, timber, concrete
  3. Cladding - metal, brick, concrete, timber, fibre-cement, plastics
  4. Insulation, HVAC, wall linings, electrical, plumbing - plasterboard, insulation, metal, plastic, polystyrene, cardboard, tile, sweepings
  5. Fit-out - cardboard, timber, plastic, polystyrene, metal, tiles, hazardous materials, sweepings

✔️ Set up one designated waste storage area

Typically, contractors and staff tend to use the most convenient skip or bin, regardless of whether it is for recycling or disposal. Having multiple smaller bins at a site may lead to people using the closest one and mixing up different types of waste, which can make recycling more challenging. By having just one waste storage area, we can avoid this issue and maintain a more organised and tidier site.

✔️ Keep different waste streams separate

  • each waste type needs a separate bin, skip or pile at the designated waste storage area
  • think about how the materials will be transported to the recycling operator or client and store them accordingly
    • For example, stockpiling materials may be best if using front-end loaders and trucks, while storing in skips is suitable if skips will be used. Trailers can also be useful for moving materials around sites, especially if there is no crane available
  • make sure to arrange with different firms for the proper removal of waste and recyclables from the site. Incorrect sorting on site may result in penalties, so it's important to train your staff and contractors well

✔️ Use appropriate containers/methods for each material type

To avoid contamination of different waste streams, it is important to use the appropriate methods of storage for different types of materials.

See below for the recommended ways of storing your materials on-site.

On-site construction and demolition waste sorting examples. Photo: Ben Cannon, LT McGuinness.

Cardboard

Store in a cage from your recycling operator or flatten and pile on a pallet for pick up (keep dry if possible).

Concrete/Brick

Store in half skips (4.5 m³) as concrete is too heavy for the 9 m³ skips. For large volumes or for on-site processing, store in piles. These materials are difficult to separate once mixed with other materials and can easily damage or contaminate them.

Metal

Store in a pile, skip, or trailer, depending on the recycling operator and the volumes. Avoid or remove contamination (such as plastic or concrete) prior to transportation.

Plasterboard

Store in a covered skip, a front-loading bin with a lid, or stacked on a pallet for reuse. Using skips or bins with lids or covers can help protect against moisture damage both on site and during transportation. They also help prevent gypsum dust from escaping and causing any annoyances.

Plastic (hard)

Store in a bin with lid so it doesn't blow around the site.

Plastic (wrap and film)

Store in a trailer or front-loading bin with a lid so that it doesn't blow around the site.

Polystyrene

Store in large plastic bags that can be securely tied so that pieces don't blow around the site.

Residual waste

Store in a skip or front-loading bin. Once you have followed up all possible avenues for reuse and recycling, you will need to ensure that residual waste is disposed of responsibly. Only use disposal facilities that are consented by the regional council or have met the permitted activity status in regional plans. These records should be available from the disposal facilities or regional councils for you to view. Otherwise, you risk fines or prosecution under the Resource Management Act.

Soil

Have a stockpile on site or load straight onto a truck for removal.

Treated timber

Keep separate from other timber in a pile or bin so that staff can easily access it for reuse. If the treated timber isn't being sorted for reuse, make sure to collect it along with any other waste and take it to the appropriate facility.

Untreated timber

Store in a bin, skip, or pile, so that staff can easily access it for reuse. Contamination such as steel, dirt and soil should be avoided or removed prior to transportation.

Vegetation

Have a stockpile, compost on site, or load straight onto a truck for removal.


✔️ Label your containers clearly

  • use clear signage for all storage areas and containers to avoid cross-contamination
    • for example, getting plastics dirty, spilling paint or adhesives onto timber, or mixing different qualities of plasterboard or timber
  • use the RONZ recycling symbols or some other type of clear signage on containers.
  • signage should include the type and grade of material and any instructions for product protection, for example, "Keep dry"
  • include a list of unacceptable materials where relevant. Be specific, for example, "No soil or plant matter", "No screws and nails", "No concrete or plastic", "No treated timber"
  • signs should be easy to take on and off bins - magnetic signs or signs with hooks work well, and whiteboard signs allow you to change the signage depending on the waste types

✔️ Protect stored materials

  • check with your waste contractor or recycling operator for storage requirements
  • store materials to avoid cross-contamination and damage and to allow easy movement around the site
  • store easily damaged materials indoors or under cover to protect from weather where possible. Otherwise, cover with canvas, plastic or other material to protect from sun and rain
  • lock recycling bins at night and weekends to prevent rubbish dumping and contamination
  • have a staff member or contractor check the waste storage area periodically (perhaps at the end of each day or during site clean-ups) and sort any contamination

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Updated: 20 December 2024