In New Zealand, roughly 40 – 50% of landfill waste comes from the building and construction sector.

In a move to improve this figure, WM New Zealand has made a $12.5 million investment in plastic recycling solutions for the industry. In partnership with Aliaxis NZ and the Ministry for the Environment, we’ve established new recycling facilities and collection services for HDPE and PVC plastics.

Commercial B&C Sales Specialist, Margot Hall, who’s been in her role for nearly seven years, takes care of our customers who recycle their PVC and HDPE piping, ensuring that these materials are diverted from landfills and given a second life.

 Unique Journey to Sustainability

Margot's path to becoming a building sales specialist was unconventional. With a background in tenders and experience with a construction company overseas, she didn't initially set out to specialise in this area. The Christchurch earthquakes urgently needed a construction sales specialist. A few years later when this role became vacant, Margot stepped up to meet the challenge. 

"The B&C market saw real value in dealing with a sales specialist solely focused on the specific requirements involved in handling construction and demolition waste," Margot explains. "It set us apart from the competition."

"I fell into this role more than anything," Margot explains. "The Christchurch earthquakes highlighted the necessity for a specialist, and since then, we've been working hard to make a difference in how we handle construction waste."

The Recycling Process

The recycling of PVC and HDPE materials at WM New Zealand is a meticulous process. Offcuts that would typically end up in landfills are collected, cleaned, and processed at our Christchurch hub. This hub serves as the central point for the South Island, due to its proximity to the Marley manufacturing plant in Ashburton.

"We primarily get our PVC from construction sites," Margot says. "Our drivers collect the PVC, bring it to our Christchurch office, and then we wash, process, and prepare it for recycling. With its significant sustainability goals, Marley values our recycled PVC as it reduces the need for raw materials."

Challenges and Solutions

One of the challenges Margot faces is the logistics of collecting and transporting the PVC from various sites across the South Island. The cost of transportation can be high, but the value of the recycled material makes the effort worthwhile.

"We have specialised bins and recovery bags for on-site storage," Margot notes. "Our smartskips, which hold longer lengths of pipe, are especially useful for civil construction companies that generate large quantities of PVC. Our FlexiBin trucks, equipped with scales, also provide accurate weights for reporting, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recycling process."

Expanding the Impact

WM New Zealand's recycling efforts are not limited to PVC. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, and other materials such as milk bottles,  are also collected and sent to Comspec for recycling. Comspec is owned by Plastics Recycling NZ, a joint venture between WM New Zealand and Aliaxis NZ (owners of Marley). However, the recycling process is not without its complications.

"Not all plastic is created equal," Margot explains. "Marley can’t take certain recyclable plastic materials, like wheelie bins, whereas plastic spouting is fine. Additionally, we need to remove rings and tape from the pipes before recycling, a task we often take on ourselves to ensure compliance with Marley and Comspec's requirements." 

Driving Sustainability in Construction

Margot's work is crucial in promoting sustainable practices within the construction industry. By providing builders and plumbers with recovery bags and flexible truck services, WM New Zealand makes it easy for them to participate in recycling initiatives.

"Every builder I propose this product to wants a recovery bag," Margot says. "It's versatile, cost-effective, and helps them do the right thing. Our system in Christchurch, with our FlexiBin trucks and manual sorting at the material recovery facility, ensures that the recycled PVC is of high quality and ready for reuse."

A Commitment to a Greener Future

The efforts of Margot Hall and the team at WM New Zealand highlight the importance of proper disposal and recycling of PVC and HDPE plastics. By managing these materials effectively, businesses can contribute to a circular economy, reduce landfill use, and promote sustainability.

"Our partnership with Marley demonstrates the value of recycled materials," Margot concludes. "We're not just reducing waste; we're creating valuable resources for new products. It's a win-win for the environment and the industry."

WM New Zealand continues to lead the way in recycling innovation, with Margot Hall at the forefront, ensuring a greener future for all.

PRNZ, a joint venture between WM New Zealand and Aliaxis, is taking a major step towards a circular economy with a €7 million investment in plastic recycling solutions for the construction sector. This initiative, supported by the New Zealand Government and a grant from the Ministry for the Environment’s Plastics Innovation Fund, will expand recycling facilities and establish a nationwide collection network for PVC and HDPE plastics.

The investment aligns with Aliaxis’ goal to quadruple the use of recycled materials in its products by 2025, maximising what is permitted under current regulations. A portion of the funding will also support research into minimising plastic construction waste.

PRNZ’s efforts build on an already strong foundation—thanks to industry support, 610,000 kg of plastic was recycled in 2022, preventing 800 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, the equivalent of driving a ute around the world nearly ten times.

By transforming plastic waste into high-quality recyclate for new manufacturing applications, PRNZ is driving meaningful change in the industry and reducing landfill waste across Aotearoa.

PRNZ is proud to collaborate with Unitec’s Environmental Solutions Research Centre (ESRC), Aliaxis New Zealand companies Marley and RX Plastics, and Waste Management New Zealand (WMNZ) to drive meaningful change in plastic recycling within the construction industry. This partnership focuses on raising awareness and developing practical solutions to reduce plastic waste in New Zealand’s Construction and Demolition (C&D) sector.

Supported by a grant from the Ministry for the Environment’s $50 million Plastics Innovation Fund, the initiative was one of four projects announced on 23 September by Minister for the Environment, David Parker. The fund has allocated $4.46 million to this project, covering 35.66% of the total investment.

Dr. Terri-Ann Berry, Director of the ESRC, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This project represents a significant step forward in reducing plastic waste. The expertise of the ESRC team, combined with Marley’s industry leadership and PRNZ’s recycling infrastructure, will have a lasting impact on Aotearoa and its communities.”

Project Scope and Objectives

The ESRC will play a crucial role in researching and analysing plastic waste streams from residential, commercial, and infrastructure construction sites in Auckland. This research will inform strategies to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling rates.

Key components of the initiative include:

• Establishing new plastic recycling facilities across New Zealand to sort, wash, and shred PVC and HDPE plastic from construction, demolition, commercial, and industrial sources.

• Developing a nationwide network of metropolitan and regional PVC and HDPE collection services in partnership with WMNZ.

• Conducting research, led by Unitec ESRC and BRANZ, to identify practical solutions to minimise plastic construction waste and promote recycling awareness.

Collected plastic will be reprocessed at Aliaxis New Zealand’s facilities and reintegrated into the production of PVC and HDPE piping systems for use in building, infrastructure, and agriculture projects across the country. This initiative strengthens the circular economy and reduces New Zealand’s reliance on virgin plastic resin imports.

Advancing Circular Solutions

This project aligns with the five key objectives of the Plastics Innovation Fund by:

• Minimising plastic waste

• Supporting circular solutions

• Protecting the environment from harm

• Reducing imported plastic

• Enhancing sustainable behaviours within the industry

The first Aliaxis/Marley recycling facilities are expected to be operational in 2023, with full project completion targeted for 2027.

About the Plastics Innovation Fund

Te Tahua Pūtea mō te Kirihou Auaha – The Plastics Innovation Fund supports projects that minimise plastic waste and its environmental impact. The fund invests in initiatives that promote reduced plastic use and increased recyclability. More information is available on the Ministry for the Environment website.