NSW releases new recycled glass asphalt guidelines

The NSW Government has released new guidelines to boost the use of asphalt containing recycled crushed glass on infrastructure projects across the state.

Specifications have been amended to allow up to 10 per cent recycled crushed glass in asphalt base course, up from 2.5 per cent.

Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said the guidelines would help industry navigate the steps for establishing and operating glass-recycling facilities, and processing glass to the standard required for use by Transport for NSW.

“Transport for NSW has already incorporated the use of recycled crushed glass on a number of its construction and maintenance projects, and has the potential to use up to 45,000 tonnes in the next three financial years, which equates to 234 million glass bottles,” Constance said.

The NSW Government has also awarded more than $735,000 in grants to three separate projects, with the aim of unlocking new markets for the use of recycled glass in road construction.

According to Environment Minister Matt Kean, the grants will encourage the reuse of construction and demolition waste, and also encourage the use of recyclable materials such as glass, plastics and cardboard in civil construction projects.

“Through this grant program, the NSW Government is boosting the future of recycling services in NSW, and helping industry prepare for the ban on the export of waste glass from Australia, coming into effect in January next year,” he said.

Fulton Hogan has been awarded $250,000 to upgrade its Eastern Creek asphalt plant and a further $236,000 to use recycled glass as a replacement for natural sand in asphalt on construction of the Albion Park Rail Bypass.

Construction company John Holland has also received a grant of $249,987 to develop and trial geopolymer concrete containing recycled crushed glass as a replacement for virgin sand.

Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock said councils support the use of recycled materials in the roads sector, including local roads, and will continue to do so as part of the NSW Government’s plan to increase the use of recycled materials.

“We will continue to work with industry and councils to help develop the supply chain and reduce barriers to uptake in the use of recycled materials in road and building projects,” she said.