Zero Waste: Waste Composition

Composition of total landfilled waste in New Zealand in 1995:

• Organic waste 36%
• Paper 19%
• Construction & Demolition 17%
• Potentially hazardous 8%
• Plastic 7%
• Metal 6%
• Other 5%
• Glass 2%

(Source: Ministry for the Environment, National Waste Data Report 1997, www.mfe.govt.nz )

Domestic kerbside waste

Solid waste analysis was undertaken for North Shore City Council in July 2002 and showed the following composition:

• Organic 51.2%
• Paper 25.5%
• Plastic 13.5%
• Glass 2.2%
• Rubber & textile 2.1%
• Rubble & concrete 1.7%
• Potentially hazardous 1.4%
• Timber 0.3%

Contact Zero Waste if you would like to find out more about waste audits on 09 447 1306 or 09 486 0736 to talk to Jo.

Construction & Demolition

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste includes concrete rubble, demolition waste and wood.

1997 figures show that at a national level, C&D waste accounted for 17% of the total landfilled waste.

These industries must be encouraged to divert resources for reuse and recycling.

(See related pages for more information about C&D solutions)