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March 13, 2026
#regional: Report Warns New Zealand Wasting Billions by Sending Reusable Soil to Landfill
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On March 13, 2026
A new report is warning that New Zealand is wasting billions of dollars by sending large volumes of reusable soil to landfill rather than reusing it in construction and development projects.
The report highlights how surplus soil from infrastructure projects, housing developments and earthworks is often treated as waste and transported to landfill sites, even when much of it could be safely reused on other projects. This practice is placing unnecessary pressure on landfill capacity while increasing the cost of building infrastructure across the country.
Industry estimates suggest that between $1.35 billion and $2.25 billion is spent each year disposing of soil from construction projects, with millions of tonnes of material being sent to landfill annually. Much of that soil is considered low-risk and suitable for reuse if regulatory and logistical barriers were addressed.
The report argues that current regulatory settings and planning processes are contributing to the problem. In many cases, soil that contains contaminant levels slightly above natural background levels must be treated the same as heavily contaminated waste. As a result, contractors often have little choice but to transport the material long distances to managed landfill sites.
Researchers say the system discourages reuse because it can be easier and faster to dispose of soil than to seek approvals to reuse it on other sites. This has created a “dig and dump” approach to earthworks that drives up project costs, increases truck movements on roads and generates additional emissions.
The report also points to a shortage of suitable cleanfill and soil management sites around the country, forcing contractors in some regions to transport surplus soil hundreds of kilometres to disposal facilities.
Experts say better planning and clearer national guidance on soil reuse could significantly reduce waste while lowering the cost of infrastructure and housing projects. They are calling for a more circular approach that treats soil as a valuable resource rather than waste.
The findings come as the country continues to grapple with rising infrastructure costs and pressure on landfill capacity, with industry leaders urging government and councils to work together on a national framework that supports safe soil reuse.
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