Recycled tyres drive change at Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre

An innovative tyre recycling program is driving change at Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre.

Council is working with road construction company RPQ Group to use crumbed rubber blended bitumen to resurface a 22,000sq m upper level section of the recycling and waste centre.

Mayor Karen Williams said the upgrade works would repurpose 550 used tyres.

“We know our approach to waste management makes a difference to our local community, our region and the world around us,” she said.

“Our choices impact quality of life for the 157,000 residents who call Redlands Coast home, as well as future generations.

“The more we can recycle, reuse and recover, the less waste needs to go to landfill.”

Cr Williams said RPQ Group was working with local governments to support the recycling industry and utilise their products in construction projects.

“Council engages a tyre recycling contractor but Australia does currently generate 56 million used tyres every year,” Cr Williams said.

“In 2019-2020 RPQ Group sprayed 18 million litres of crumbed rubber throughout Queensland and NSW, recycling the equivalent of about 280,000 tyres.

“Crumbed rubber blended bitumen is becoming a preferred treatment for environmentally conscious councils, ensuring a viable and ongoing market for recycled tyre products.”

Cr Williams said that each year, on average, Council sent 135 tonnes of tyres received at its recycling and waste centres to a recycling facility – with none being sent to landfill.

“Once shredded, the crumbed rubber is used for construction projects, infill in synthetic grass and playground matting and, equestrian products,” Cr Williams said.

“Powdered recycled tyres are used in glue for the building industry while larger chips are also used by sporting clubs as bullet stop in their shooting range.”

Cr Williams said the Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre project was a practical example of Council supporting the circular economy, the recycling industry and local business.

Division 8 Councillor Tracey Huges said the resurfacing at Birkdale Recycling and Waste Centre would upgrade the drop-off area for green waste, scrap metal, timber, tyres, bricks and concrete, asbestos/cement sheeting, fridges/air conditioning, clean soil, e-waste, car batteries and LPG bottles.

“Transfer stations are no longer just about dumping waste, they are where innovation in recycling and alternative uses are trialled and I am pleased the Birkdale facility is at the heart of that innovation,” Cr Huges said.

She said the centre was currently closed while the upgrades and site maintenance was being carried out, but it was scheduled to reopen on August 17.

“I appreciate the community’s patience and understanding while these vital works are completed.”

Cr Huges reminded residents to either hold onto waste and recyclables or make use of the Redland Bay Recycling and Waste Centre while the Birkdale facility was closed, with commercial operators being asked to use alternative facilities during this period.