ResourceCo Backs Vision for Waste Glass in SA

RESOURCECO IS PLAYING A LEADING ROLE IN ADVANCING GLASS RECYCLING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA, THROUGH CONSTRUCTION OF A STATE-OF-THE-ART GLASS CRUSHING AND RESIZING PLANT NORTH OF ADELAIDE.

“THE USE OF 5% GLASS AS A VIRGIN AGGREGATE REPLACEMENT WAS A FIRST FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND IS A SIGNIFICANT INITIATIVE IN PAVING THE WAY FOR THE USE OF MORE RECYCLED MATERIALS IN ROADS.”

Investment in the new plant, which follows the Australian ban on the export of unprocessed waste glass, will enable the repurposing of 30,000 tonnes of waste glass per year into sustainable construction materials. In spearheading a domestic-led solution to glass waste, ResourceCo has invested in cutting-edge technology which overcomes previous hurdles associated with co-mingled glass from household or commercial sites. “This investment in new infrastructure could ultimately see tens of thousands of tonnes of waste glass repurposed into construction materials each year,” says ResourceCo CEO of Waste & Recycling, Brad Lemmon. “In the past, the poor quality of this waste glass and the relatively low price received for this material has been an issue in kerbside collection, recycling, sorting and sale and we’re proud to be playing a part in driving a sustainable solution.” The resulting product has already been road tested by ResourceCo in a partnership with the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT). Over 8.5 tonnes of glass was repurposed to replace sand as a base for roads and footpaths, as part of the Regency to Pym construction project (R2P). “The use of 5% glass as a virgin aggregate replacement was a first for South Australia and is a significant initiative in paving the way for the use of more recycled materials in roads.” ResourceCo is in advanced discussions with many of South Australia’s Material Recovery facilities to take their glass waste and continues to work with DIT on specifications for use of glass in their road base on major projects. “We are investing a significant amount of time and resources to work closely with our partners to achieve the best results – both economically and environmentally. It’s about backing leadership in sustainability and building progressive and environmentally conscious partnerships.” Construction of the new plant will begin later this year and is already regarded as a huge opportunity for Governments, the construction industry, and the recycling sector to reset the benchmark for sustainable infrastructure development in South Australia.