Recycled materials to be used for road base to reduce landfill
03 December 2018
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Recycled construction and demolition product slated for Kwinana Freeway widening project
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A State Government initiative to divert construction and demolition waste from landfill
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Further road projects to be considered pending the outcome of pilot project
WA Government:
The McGowan Labor Government will pilot the use of
recycled materials
for
road base on the
Kwinana Freeway widening project, using recycled
construction and demolition (C&D) waste as road base.
In a first for a major road in
Western Australia, recycled material will be trialled on the freeway
widening project between Russell Road and Roe Highway to boost WA's poor
recycling performance.
Main
Roads Western Australia will work with the Waste Authority and the
Department of
Water and Environmental Regulation in a push to increase the use of
recycled C&D products in major civil construction projects throughout
the State.
The Kwinana Freeway Northbound Widening Project from Russell Road to Roe
Highway will be the pilot project and use about 25,000 tonnes of
recycled C&D product.
A new product testing scheme will help C&D recyclers with costs
associated with the rigorous sampling and testing required to ensure all
products meet appropriate specifications and are free of contaminants -
including asbestos.
An independent audit testing scheme will provide an additional level of
assurance that recycled construction and demolition products are fit for
purpose.
The pilot is an important step in providing confidence about the
benefits of using recycled C&D products, and supporting the increased
use of recycled materials to meet the State's waste diversion targets.
The findings of the Roads to Reuse pilot and finalisation of the State
Government's Waste Strategy 2030 report later this year, will be used to
establish the Government's Roads to Reuse program.
For more information on Roads to Reuse, visit the Waste Authority's
website,
http://www.wasteauthority.wa.gov.au/.
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"This demonstration project is the beginning of a significant new
practice for government.
"It will demonstrate to local governments and industry that recycled
content is usable and value for money, redressing the concerns from many
years ago that effectively stopped any reuse of valuable construction
and demolition materials.
"This partnership between DWER, the Waste Authority and Main Roads is a
huge step forward for the reduction of construction and demolition waste
in Western Australia.
"By using recycled construction and demolition products in projects
across the State, we can help meet our landfill diversion targets and
focus on recycling materials."
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Roads to Reuse establishes a strict testing regime to reduce the risk
of contaminants to below allowable limits - protecting people and the
environment.
"This interagency partnership is key to ensuring the ongoing use of
recycled material in Western Australia."
--ENDS--
Source: Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au
Contact: Environment Minister's office - 6552 5800 Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500
External Links: N/A
Recent news by: WA Government