Standards have vital role in driving recycled materials in roads: report

A new report from Standards Australia finds that the nation is losing out on the potential economic and performance benefits of using recycled content in roads, presenting a roadmap to address barriers to adoption.

According to a statement from Standards Australia on Tuesday, the report identifies ways to advance the use of recycled materials in roads, the role of standards, and where the organisation can assist a more circular approach. It was developed with the Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR). 

Standards to facilitate the use of recycled material in road construction found significant barriers included different specifications across jurisdictions and a lack of nationally-harmonised performance-based standards, as well as issues with procurement policies and insufficient maturity in some materials markets.

 “Using recycled content in roads has considerable benefits, including a reduction in environmental impact, improved performance of materials, cost savings, and job creation,” said Standards Australia’s Head of Engagement and Strategic Delivery, Roland Terry-Lloyd.

 “Standards have a crucial role to play in addressing these barriers and facilitating the transition to a circular economy by establishing common definitions, measurements, and guidelines for industry, government, and consumers.”

The report can be accessed here 

Picture: credit Close the Loop

Further reading

RECYCLED COFFEE CUPS IN PENRITH ROADS AN AUSTRALIAN FIRST

HUME COUNCIL COUNTS 111 ROADS RESURFACED WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS SINCE 2018

BUILDINGS USED IRON FROM SUNKEN SHIPS CENTURIES AGO. THE USE OF RECYCLED MATERIALS SHOULD BE BUSINESS AS USUAL BY NOW