Using recycled materials to resurface and repair our roads

Wyndham City is using rubbish to repair and resurface roads – and is achieving positive results.  

The Council recently resurfaced Geddes Crescent in Hoppers Crossing with the equivalent of 34,000 plastic bags.

The 210 metres of road was resealed with PlastiPhalt, an asphalt mix made from recycled plastic and reused asphalt.

Environment and Sustainability portfolio holder Cr Heather Marcus said using recyclables to resurface roads was a great way to improve existing assets and reduce wastage.

“This exciting innovation is another example of Council’s commitment to using environmentally sustainable materials to build and maintain our assets,” Cr Marcus said.

“Council is continually trialling and investing in new technologies to reduce what we’re sending to landfill, cut our emissions and contribute to a healthier planet.”

The Geddes Crescent resurfacing is one of a number of projects Wyndham City’s Asset Rehabilitation Team has trialled in recent months to resurface and repair local roads using materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfill.

The team have also trialled a selection of road resurfacing treatments using reclaimed plastics, rubber, steel mill slag and asphalt along Dunnings Road in Point Cook.

Now, Wyndham City has focused its efforts on trialling a crack sealing product containing waste plastics and tyre crumb to repair local roads in Williams Landing.

Cr Marcus said while it was still early in the trial, the product was showing promise as an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional crack sealing products.

“Crack sealing forms an important part of Council’s road maintenance activities and extends the longevity of roads by filling up cracked surfaces and preventing water damage,” Cr Marcus said.

“This helps protect our environment by reusing waste materials and avoiding early replacement of our roads, and is another component of Wyndham City’s efforts to embrace the circular economy.”

“If we could use recyclables in most of our roads, as we aim to eventually, we could save thousands of tonnes of plastic and other materials from being sent to landfill.”

“There’s good reason Wyndham City was awarded the 2019 Sustainable Council Award by Keep Victoria Beautiful.”

“We’re not just planning for sustainability – we’re acting on and exceeding our green ambitions.”