Central Coast Council use recycled waste to construct roads
When Long Jetty residents drive over a new road in their suburb, they’ll have the added satisfaction of knowing it’s made from recycled plastic, glass and toner cartridges.
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RECYCLED plastic, glass and toner cartridges are being used in the construction of roads across the Central Coast.
The first of these roads is now under construction, with the recycled product known as “reconophalt”.
Council gave a demonstration of the laying of reconophalt in Boomerang Road at Long Jetty today. It smells like road base and looks exactly the same, however with specks of light from the crushed glass.
“We are now using a road surfacing product that will help save thousands of tonnes of waste from ending up in landfill,” council’s director of roads transport drainage and waste Boris Bolgoff said.
“To give you an idea of the quantity of waste that can be saved, a 600 metre section of road can be made using 631,000 plastic bags, 117,000 glass bottles, toner from 14,400 used printer cartridges, and 160 tonnes of reclaimed road asphalt.
“The product is added to bitumen and the end result is equal or superior to traditional asphalt with data showing improved strength and resistance to deformation, which makes roads last longer and better handle heavy vehicle traffic.
“It’s as good if not better than the virgin product.”
Mr Bolgoff said soft plastic waste generated on the coast would end up on local roads.
“We’ve just sent our first shipment of soft plastic waste for processing and use in reconophalt,” he said.
“Council has partnered with the Plastic Police Program to establish the local collection of soft plastics for recycling into Reconophalt and opportunities for the public to drop off their soft plastics for reuse into local roads will be announced soon.”
Manufacturing and construction company Downer supplied the product to council.
“We are really pleased to be able to deliver this piece of road infrastructure using materials which would usually end up in landfill,” east coast asphalt manager Gana Varendran.
“It’s also cost effective - it’s really a perfect solution.”
Boomerang Rd is getting a $1.38 million upgrade including installation of a cul-de-sac road, kerb and guttering, road upgrade and renewal and footpaths.
The other road project set to use reconophalt is Wards Hill Road, Empire Bay — $296,000 to stabilise and seal a 260 metre section of road.
“We are thrilled to deliver roads projects using products destined for landfill or the stockpile heap,” Mayor Jane Smith said.
“This is a major milestone for council and the coast and an outstanding example of how infrastructure can be delivered using green and sustainable methods.”
Council also completes spray sealing and asphalt works using a product made from recycled tyres.
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