The Queensland Government has announced that a brand new plant in Rockhampton to turn recycled glass into useable construction materials is nearing completion.
The $2 million facility, which is partially funded by the Queensland government, will begin processing recycled glass collected under Queensland’s Containers for Change container return scheme in June.
Kriaris Recyclables Processing, based in Kunwara, has employed six people throughout the development of the purpose-built plant, with another five employees expected to work at the site once it opens, helping to drive Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan from COVID-19.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said Kriaris had received $600,000 to help build the facility.
“This industry development program has assisted Queensland’s resource recovery industries to create projects and initiatives that divert waste from landfill, reduce stockpiling and create jobs,” Minister Scanlon said.
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said the new facility in Rockhampton would “help to divert 6,800 tonnes of waste away from landfill each year”.
“A local facility to process recycled glass from Containers for Change means that glass being consumed in Rockhampton can be utilised here,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“Rather than being transported and being processed in other parts of the state, there is far less emissions and costs, using locally collected, recycled, and processed glass for projects such as building new roadways and civil construction right here.”
Minister Scanlon added:
“It means that if you’re drinking a beer in Rockhampton, and you recycle it through Containers for Change, not only do you get that 10 cents refunded to you but one day soon you may be walking over that same very glass that has been used by council to build roads.”
