Waste reduction and the circular economy

HIA’s Stage 2 report draws on HIA’s initial industry outreach and member research findings outlined in the initial report delivered to the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board in February 2026. This subsequent report identifies specific needs of the local industry and proposed solutions.

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What is a circular economy?  

A “circular economy” in the home building industry aims to reduce waste by keeping materials and resources in use for as long as possible, rather than following the traditional approach of taking raw materials, making products and disposing of them when they're no longer needed. This approach can help divert waste from landfills, conserve natural resources, lower environmental impacts and create opportunities to reduce costs through more efficient use of materials.

Our research for this project revealed that many enterprises in Tasmania are already implementing strategies like waste sorting on-site, reusing salvaged materials (such as timber and concrete), and engaging with waste management companies.

HIA recommended actions

HIA’s recommendations and the proposed actions to achieve them are designed to encourage industry to look beyond recycling and focus on a circular economy to increase the recovery and reuse of products and materials. They are as follows: 

A. Develop an industry engagement strategy

Develop a coordinated engagement strategy connecting builders, waste management providers, researchers, government and other stakeholders. Map existing services, identify opportunities for collaboration and establish practical ways to share information and improve waste recovery.

B. Review the effectiveness of Waste Management Plans

Review how Waste Management Plans are used in local government planning approvals and whether they achieve meaningful waste reduction. Identify improvements that make plans more practical, site-specific and effective, rather than simply another compliance exercise.

C. Produce short-form educational videos

Develop short, practical videos demonstrating how builders can reduce, reuse and recycle construction waste. Feature real builders and industry examples, covering topics such as site waste collection, ordering materials efficiently and reusing offcuts, with content distributed through social media and online channels.

D. Establish an industry support program for low-carbon concrete

Support the development and adoption of lower-carbon concrete incorporating suitable recycled materials. Proposed government assistance includes initial funding, connecting manufacturers with researchers and waste recovery facilities, industry education and progressively introducing recycled material requirements into government projects. 

E. Establish an industry support program for road building and maintenance

Encourage the use of recycled construction materials, plastics, glass and other suitable waste products in road construction and maintenance. Support implementation through initial funding, industry education, reliable material supply networks and progressively introducing recycled-content requirements for government road projects. 

F. Support AI and robotics in waste processing

Investigate AI and robotic technologies that can identify, sort and recover reusable construction materials more efficiently. Bring together industry, universities and government to fund research and develop a pilot waste-processing facility to test the technology and its commercial viability. 

G. Introduce a 'zero waste' competition

Establish a statewide competition recognising builders who demonstrate effective waste reduction practices. Award categories would reflect different business sizes and approaches, with entries showcasing measurable reductions in waste, material reuse and innovative site practices. 

H. Develop a construction waste identification app

Develop a mobile app that uses photographs to identify construction waste materials and determine whether they can be reused or recycled. Connect builders with potential users, material marketplaces and recovery facilities, or provide nearby disposal locations and fees, while helping track waste volumes and identify materials suitable for heritage restoration. 

The above is intended to provide general information in summary form. The content does not constitute specific advice and should not be relied upon as such. Formal advice should be sought by members and customers with respect to particular matters before taking action.