The Queensland Government announced the expansion of its Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme to Central Queensland in a move aimed at enhancing recycling efforts in the construction industry.
Environment Minister Leanne Linard revealed a substantial grant of $150,000 allocated to the Master Plumbers Association of Queensland to broaden the scheme’s reach.
Currently operational in South East Queensland, the initiative focuses on recycling PVC, a prevalent plastic polymer extensively used in construction, the government said in a media release.
To date, PVC is a widely utilised material in the construction sector, and its recycling is crucial in reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
The expansion of the scheme will witness the establishment of 22 new recycling locations, including a site at the Reece Plumbing Centre in North Rockhampton.
This expansion aims to facilitate increased participation and accessibility, bringing the total number of recycling deposit sites to 38.
Moreover, the extended scheme will incorporate educational outreach programs and expand to TAFE campuses, aiming to instil recycling habits among future generations of Queensland plumbers.
Minister Linard emphasised the Queensland Government’s commitment to achieving a zero-waste society, particularly in addressing construction and demolition waste, a significant concern outlined in the Queensland Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy.
“With new funding of $150,000, the expansion of our Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme will see more dedicated PVC recycling bins installed at strategic locations, including here in Rockhampton,” added Minister Linard.
Since its inception, the scheme has successfully diverted over 2.1 tonnes of PVC piping from landfills, with 93 per cent of the recovered materials recycled into new PVC products.
Executive Director of the Master Plumbers Association of Queensland Penny Cornah highlighted the industry’s pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices and applauded the government’s support for the scheme.
“The construction industry holds a crucial responsibility in curbing plastic waste and advocating for the planet’s well-being,” remarked Cornah.
“We are proud of our collaboration with our partners in promoting eco-conscious practices within the industry through the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme.”
Cornah also underscored the scheme’s simplicity in reducing PVC off-cut disposal in landfills and expressed excitement over the government’s support, extending its reach up to Rockhampton.
For more information about the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme, visit Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme.
