'Matchmaker' service for construction and demolition waste

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has launched the Civil Construction Market Program, which works as a ‘matchmaker’ service where waste from one project can be safely used to benefit another.

The new program has the important goal of landfill diversion but focuses on construction and demolition (C&D) waste, with grants available to assist consultants, contractors, waste service providers and local government personnel find opportunities where construction and demolition waste, a major contributor to landfill, can be effectively used elsewhere.

For example, an EPA-funded local council could source crushed concrete, crushed brick and glass fines from construction projects, and opt to recycle this material in the construction of pavements. Other examples include pallets being made into chook bedding and timber offcuts being used to produce eco-friendly particleboard by another manufacturer.

“This pilot program aims to divert at least 12,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste from landfill each year by matching waste to re-use opportunities,” EPA Executive Director Waste and Resource Recovery Steve Beaman said.

“The availability of these grants means councils and businesses can be more strategic in their approach to re-use and recycling, and can add landfill diversion into the early planning stages of their projects.”

The pilot program will run over the 2016–17 financial year across the Sydney metropolitan and regional areas. Project grants range from $20,000 to $75,000.

Applications are open for the program until 25 November. Local councils and private businesses are invited to apply at www.epa.nsw.gov.au/wastegrants/circulate-civil-construction-market-program.htm.

The EPA will also be hosting an information session in Sydney on 14 November, with a recording of the session to be made available the following week. To register your interest, email industrial.ecology@epa.nsw.gov.au.