Recycled plastics from kerbside waste will be used to create tram stops, making Melbourne’s tram network more sustainable.
The project The Development of Next Generation Tram Stop Platforms Using Recycled Materials project will develop ways to turn recycled plastics into modular components that are ‘fit-for-purpose’ for the construction of future tram stop platforms across Melbourne
The modular designs will incorporate hollow drainage features, providing an environmentally sustainable solution while also minimising the effects of severe flash flooding.
The designs will also ensure greater accessibility for those living with disability and cause minimal disruption to traffic during construction.
The project is a partnership with Monash University’s Institute of Railway Technology, Yarra Trams, Integrated Recycling and Advanced Circular Polymer.
Integrated Recycling will manufacture, and trial modular elements of tram stop platforms for testing and prototyping purposes.
Advanced Circular Polymer will supply the recycled plastic mix recovered from kerbside waste collections that will be used for the production of the base material in the tram stop platforms.
The project was recently awarded $300,000 by the Recycling Victoria Research and Development Fund – Materials. It is being delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Managing Director of Advanced Circular Polymer Harry Wang said the project would help to support the emerging recycled material market within Australia.
“This collaboration will explore new research and development to add value to recycled plastics through new product innovations. Developing new value-added recycled products with advanced manufacturing is essential for the recycling sector to create demand and secure the supply chain for recycled plastics,” he said.
Melbourne’s tram network is the largest in the world consisting of 24 routes, stretching 250 kilometres with more than 1,750 tram stops.
To learn more about the project, click here.
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