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DEconstruction and
metal recovery
SERVICES
Established in 2014 in response to demand for metal-focused deconstruction, our Deconstruction and Metal Recovery Team specialises in extracting valuable metals from industrial sites across New Zealand. We manage small to medium-sized projects and can partner with major deconstruction providers to deliver targeted metal recovery solutions as part of larger works. We call it sustainable deconstruction, and it’s all about turning end-of-life assets into new opportunities.
WHAT WE DO
Our Deconstruction and Metal Recovery team is geared for projects where valuable metal needs to be recovered, focusing exclusively on jobs with strong recovery potential so we can deliver maximum value for clients while keeping resources in circulation. This selective approach also positions us for future opportunities in fast-growing sectors like solar panel farms and biofuel transitions, dismantling assets and equipment with a focus on:
Deconstruction of plant infrastructure:
Dismantling tanks, conveyor systems, gantries, racking, and processing equipment.Energy-sector decommissioning:
Recovering transformers, switchgear, and heavy electrical components from power and utility sites.Industrial machinery removal:
Safely disassembling, removing, and transporting large machines, often in confined or complex operational settings.Infrastructure and utility extraction:
Removing above-ground telecoms, water, and electrical assets for repurposing or recycling.
Our operations are geared towards projects in the processing, manufacturing, energy, dairy, and logistics sectors, including the dismantling of food and dairy machinery, oil and gas infrastructure, and large scale industrial metal assets like boilers and paper mills.
We also work hand-in-glove with our yard and energy teams when specialist skills are needed, like on exchange deconstruction. From careful dismantling to transport and processing, we keep valuable metals in circulation every step of the way.
HOW WE DO IT
Our deconstruction process is hands-on, safe, and designed to extract maximum value from every project.
Here’s how we do it:
1.
SCOPING and SITE EVALUATION
Our team scopes the work, identifies key recovery opportunities, and builds a plan tailored to the project. This plan includes health and safety assessments, traffic flow planning, and liaising with site managers to minimise disruption to other contractors or ongoing operations.
2.
DISMANTLING WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS
When it comes to dismantling, our crew uses the right gear for the job every time. We follow strict safety protocols and dismantle with recovery in mind, not just removal.
3.
SORTING, LOADING and TRANSPORT
Where feasible, we separate ferrous and non-ferrous materials on-site. This separation helps reduce double handling and improves recycling yield. All recovered material is securely loaded and transported to our nearest Phoenix yard.
4.
CIRCULAR RECOVERY
Once received, materials are weighed, graded, and processed for onward sale or recycling. Valuable assets are kept in circulation and diverted from landfills, supporting our clients’ sustainability goals and the wider circular economy.
We’re an agile, specialist crew, the kind that zeroes in on projects with serious metals recovery potential. Every job we take on is about extracting the highest-value metals and extending their life in the circular economy. By targeting high-yield projects, we can maximise recovery rates, cut waste, and deliver real environmental impact alongside strong commercial outcomes.
DECONSTRUCTION AND METAL RECOVERY
PROJECT
EXPERIENCE
Specialising in sustainable deconstruction, we turn projects into opportunities for material recovery and environmental impact, minimising waste every step of the way. We’ve tackled all sorts of challenges all across New Zealand, making a positive difference wherever we go. Take a look at some of the work we’ve done so far.
CARTER HOLT HARVEY - BASE GREEN MILL
This deconstruction project spanned 7,500m2. On the job, we worked to recycle materials from mills, kilns, stores, warehouse structures, office buildings, and bunkers.
stolthaven wynyard tank farm
Phoenix was involved in the deconstruction process of the Stolthaven Wynyard Tank Farm in Auckland’s CBD. This project included recycling materials from 50+ steel/stainless steel tanks, along with multiple multi-storey buildings and structures. Approximately 92% of total materials were recycled.
stolthaven mt wellington
Phoenix worked with Stolthaven to recycle redundant tanks and plant infrastructure, including ten steel and stainless steel tanks and around three storeys worth of material from the decommissioning process.
oceanagold mine
We completed a deconstruction project for OceanaGold Mine in Reefton. This project involved the deconstruction of redundant plant infrastructure, buildings and foundations.
FAVONA GLASSHOUSES
Located in Favona, this project involved the deconstruction of two large glasshouses and plant rooms from the site to make way for Mainfreight’s new logistics supersite. We can proudly say that once the job was finished, 90% of all materials were recycled. Targeting a five star Green Star Built rating, the new facility provides 35,860sqm of warehouse and logistics space.
FOODSTUFFS
Phoenix was engaged to demolish a Foodstuffs coolstore in Wellington. The project involved dismantling multiple warehouses and coolstores, some exceeding three storeys, with 95% of all materials successfully recycled.
BUSH RD WAREHOUSES
The Bush Road Warehouse project was a large-scale demolition in Auckland’s CBD, where warehouse buildings were deconstructed and an impressive 95% of materials were recycled.
CARGO PLANE
This project involved the deconstruction and removal of a 737 cargo plane over a five-day period. The process began with establishing equipment on-site, followed by a "soft strip" phase to remove insulation and composite materials. The fuselage was dismantled using a 30-ton excavator fitted with a shear, and materials were loaded out with the excavator equipped with buckets and grabs. All waste was removed from the site, and 9.55 tonnes of mixed metals were sent to Phoenix for further processing. The site was then cleaned and vacated.
OBSERVATION TOWER
This project involved the deconstruction and removal of an observation control tower at the Ports of Auckland. Work began with erecting scaffolding, and establishing asbestos containment areas. Asbestos removal was followed by the dismantling of external walls and under-deck claddings, stripping out the internal control room, and removal of ceilings, linings, windows, and glass. The roof structure, wall structures, deck structure, external stairs, and the tower support structure were sequentially removed. The eight-week project resulted in 29 tonnes of mainly ferrous metals being sent to Phoenix for processing.
MARSDEN TANK removal
This project involved the removal of five disused tanks from the Marsden Refinery site and was completed within a 6.5-week program. In total, five tanks were removed and processed using a 34-ton excavator fitted with a 6-ton shear attachment. All waste materials, including 162.3 tonnes of scrap steel, were removed according to a waste management plan and sent to Phoenix for further processing.
SAND BARGE
Phoenix successfully deconstructed this 500-tonnesand barge using a structured and environmentallyresponsible approach. The process involved securing the site, separating salvageable materials, and dismantling the barge from the top down to access and remove contaminated sand, which was safely disposed of at a certified landfill. All scrap steel was transported to Phoenix’s yards in Kamo and Whangārei. The site was left clean and tidy upon completion. Another great example of a project that reflects our commitment to sustainable recycling and responsible demolition.
RACKING REMOVAL
Phoenix completed the removal and disposal of warehouse racking in Avondale. The project involved dismantling approximately 937 upright bay support legs, secured by an estimated 1,874 dyna bolts embedded in the concrete slab, along with the removal of four concrete ramps. Utilising a structured removal sequence, our team first extracted the dyna bolt nuts with handheld rattle guns before systematically dismantling the steel supports and cross-members using our 30T excavator shear. All materials were cut into transportable sizes and delivered to our Takanini yard for processing. The concrete ramps were also removed and disposed of. This three-week project was executed efficiently while prioritising sustainable recycling practices.
QUARRY DEMOLITION
This project included the removal of all concrete footings and foundations, with the roof section lifted separately by crane. Spiral internals were craned out and returned to the client for reuse. Additionally, the framework of conveyor 1, situated on top of the workshop container was removed, along with the radial stacker belt. The Rocktech screen was craned out for storage at Tamahere. The aggre-dry screw was also removed and stored in a designated safe area. All salvageable materials were retained by Phoenix. The project was completed within one week.
INTERGROUP
Phoenix’s team completed the removal of fourstainless steel tanks and their accompanying steelsupport structure for Intergroup, one of NewZealand’s leading industrial services providers. Using a 42-ton excavator fitted with a shear attachment, the crew systematically dismantled and lifted out thetanks before moving on to the remaining framework.The balance of the structure was safely taken downthrough a combination of gas cutting and unbolting,ensuring a controlled and efficient process from startto finish. This project highlights the skill and expertise of our team in managing complex industrial removals for major industry partners.
APPAREL MASTERS
Phoenix completed the removal of three stainless steel tanks and their associated steel support structure for ApparelMasters Waikato. Working in coordination with the client, the tanks were safely lifted down using their fork hoist and moved into a 20-foot container for transport. The remaining support structure was carefully disassembled through a combination of unbolting and petrol cut-off saw work. As part of the job, the team also removed a section of chain link fencing, cutting the steel posts flush with the concrete slab using a 9-inch grinder. All materials were consolidated into a container and transported off site for recycling, demonstrating Phoenix’s commitment to safe, tidy and sustainable project delivery.
winstone wallboards
Phoenix successfully delivered the full removal of a plasterboard manufacturing plant, including all machinery and associated structural components, leaving the premises and surrounding yards clear and ready for repurposing or sale to a new user. The project involved the recovery and processing of approximately 1,862 tonnes of metal, comprising heavy and light gauge ferrous steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, electric motors, and aluminium and copper cabling, maximising resource recovery while ensuring the site was safely and efficiently cleared.
Phoenix offers the following deCONSTRUCTION AND METAL RECOVERY services:
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Minimum Landfill
Our deconstruction projects' Site Specific Waste Plans (SSWP) manage our deconstruction material to ensure the minimum amount of waste goes to landfills.
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Circular Economy
Our hub-and-spoke model for metal recycling also underpins our approach to resource recovery on deconstruction projects nationwide. By working with the nearest Phoenix branch and partnering with local circular economy recyclers, including glass, timber, concrete, and horticulture, we minimise transport distances and reduce carbon emissions.
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Transparency
We use a combination of EROAD and My Trucking GPS technology to track all transport. We also make use of CCTV footage and our weighbridges and platforms are independently certified. This ensures a high level of transparency for our clients throughout the product sorting process.
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Capacity
Collectively, our network spans more than 100,000 sqm of land, supporting our deconstruction work nationwide.
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Nationwide Solutions
Phoenix utilises its network, weigh-bridge/scale infrastructure and transportation fleet to facilitate metal recovery across New Zealand.
ENQUIRIES
Mark Levin
Deconstruction Projects Manager
Ph: 021 418 253
mark@pmrnz.co.nz
Brian Brown
Deconstruction Projects Manager
Ph: 022 532 2075
brian@pmrnz.co.nz
Martin Wooton
Commercial Manager
Ph: 021 257 6831
martin@pmrnz.co.nz