New recycled glass asphalt guidelines released in NSW

The new guidelines have been released by the NSW Government in the aims of boosting the use of asphalt containing recycled crushed glass on infrastructure projects.

Amendments made to the specifications of the guidelines now indicate that up to 10 per cent of recycled crushed glass in asphalt base course is now allowed, increased from 2.5 per cent previously.

Andrew Constance, Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said the guidelines would aid the industry in navigating the steps towards establishing and operating glass-recycling facilities, as well as processing glass to the required standard 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” said Constance.

Over $735,000 in grants has also been rewarded by the NSW Government to three separate projects in the hopes to unlock new markets for the use of recycled glass in road construction.

Speaking on the grants, Environment Minister Matt Kean said the funding will encourage the reuse of construction and demolition waste, and encourage the use of recyclable materials such as glass and plastics 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 January next year” said the Minister.

Those companies awarded the grants include Fulton Hogan, granted $250,000, to go towards the upgrade of their Eastern Creek asphalt plant, plus a further $236,000 to be used for teh recycled glass as a replacement for natural sand in asphalt on the construction of the Albion Park Rail Bypass.

Also receiving a grant is construction company John Holland, with funding of $249,987 to help develop and trial geopolymer concrete containing recycled crushed glass as a replacement for virgin sand.

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

“We will continue to work with the 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” said Minister Hancock.