- Recycled construction and demolition product slated for Kwinana Freeway widening project
- A State Government initiative to divert construction and demolition waste from landfill
- Further road projects to be considered pending the outcome of pilot project
The McGowan Labor Government will pilot the use of recycled materials for road base on the Kwinana Freeway widening project, using recycled construction and demolition (C&D) waste as road base.
In a first for a major road in Western Australia, recycled material will be trialled on the freeway widening project between Russell Road and Roe Highway to boost WA’s poor recycling performance.
Main Roads Western Australia will work with the Waste Authority and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation in a push to increase the use of recycled C&D products in major civil construction projects throughout the State.
The Kwinana Freeway Northbound Widening Project from Russell Road to Roe Highway will be the pilot project and use about 25,000 tonnes of recycled C&D product.
A new product testing scheme will help C&D recyclers with costs associated with the rigorous sampling and testing required to ensure all products meet appropriate specifications and are free of contaminants – including asbestos.
An independent audit testing scheme will provide an additional level of assurance that recycled construction and demolition products are fit for purpose.
The pilot is an important step in providing confidence about the benefits of using recycled C&D products, and supporting the increased use of recycled materials to meet the State’s waste diversion targets.
The findings of the Roads to Reuse pilot and finalisation of the State Government’s Waste Strategy 2030 report later this year, will be used to establish the Government’s Roads to Reuse program.
For more information on Roads to Reuse, visit the Waste Authority’s website.
As noted by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
“This demonstration project is the beginning of a significant new practice for government.
“It will demonstrate to local governments and industry that recycled content is usable and value for money, redressing the concerns from many years ago that effectively stopped any reuse of valuable construction and demolition materials.
“This partnership between DWER, the Waste Authority and Main Roads is a huge step forward for the reduction of construction and demolition waste in Western Australia.
“By using recycled construction and demolition products in projects across the State, we can help meet our landfill diversion targets and focus on recycling materials.”
As noted by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Roads to Reuse establishes a strict testing regime to reduce the risk of contaminants to below allowable limits – protecting people and the environment.
“This interagency partnership is key to ensuring the ongoing use of recycled material in Western Australia.”
