About 1000 end-of life damaged bollards have been 100 per cent recycled into new eco-friendly T Top bollards, in an Australian-first initiative.
According to construction company, BMD Constructions, the new bollards are made from 100 per cent high density polyethylene, while the base is made from 70-90 per cent recycled black PVC.
The project is a collaboration between Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV), BMD constructions, social enterprise OC Connection Enterprises (OCCE) which provides employment opportunities for those living with disability, and traffic control company M1 Traffic and Labour, on the Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade in Victoria.
Steve Betinsky, OCCE General Manager Employment and Enterprises, said more than 11,000 OC Eco T-Top Bollards have been socially procured and OCCE will continue to offer this eco-product Australia-wide.
Serafi Taula, M1 Traffic and Labour Sales Manager, said the company is proud to support the initiative.
“M1 supports and values products and initiatives like this, especially when you consider the environmental benefits and employment opportunities it creates,” Taula said.
Todd Stemmer, BMD Constructions Project Construction Manager, said bollards are a key traffic control device on BMD’s projects and need to be replaced regularly.
“Partnering with OCCE to recycle and reuse bollards is a fantastic way to reduce end-of-life plastics,” Stemmer said.
“Our collaboration is one of many opportunities BMD is taking to help provide the industry with more sustainable alternatives and also promote the development of new recycled products in the future.”
Tony Aloisio, Director at ecologiQ, a Victorian Government initiative to recycle content across Victoria’s transport infrastructure projects, said reinventing plastic waste into bollards is a great example of innovation.
“Through this initiative, projects like the Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade are encouraging, as we continue to see the benefits of our growing circular economy – diverting even more waste from landfill,” Aloisio said.
“These recycled bollards are just another way we’re transforming Victoria’s waste and recycling sector, creating jobs, supporting industry and innovation and building new markets for recycled materials.”
For more information, visit: www.bmd.com.au
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