Central Pier demolition waste turned into road base, new products

More than 80% of waste from the demolition of Central Pier is being repurposed for use in construction and manufacturing industries across Victoria.

Development Victoria’s Group Head Precincts, Niall Cunningham, said, “Through the reuse of these materials, we are contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for new raw materials, conserving resources and minimising waste.”

Approximately 10,000 tonnes of steel, concrete and bricks, timber and e-waste from the pier is being used for a range of purposes by local businesses:

• Delta Recycling in Sunshine has transformed the concrete and brick waste into valuable construction materials and road bases. All materials produced are VicRoads approved, in compliance with industry standards.
• InfraBuild in Laverton recycles ferrous steel waste transported from Central Pier to its facility producing various steel products which are distributed for use in construction and manufacturing.
• Highett Metals in Mordialloc recycles nonferrous metal waste using advanced technologies and the recycled material is distributed for use in new products.
• Jaks Timber in South Melbourne recycles high-quality wood to create new products such as furniture, flooring and beams. Any remaining wood is recycled into wood chips, mulch, biofuel or composite wood products.
   

“Where practicable, we will also be aiming to repurpose maritime heritage materials salvaged during the removal works, such as signage, bollards and shed numbers,” Cunningham said.

Specialist marine contractor Fitzgerald Constructions Australia has been engaged to use its engineering capabilities to remove Central Pier.

Image credit: iStock.com/Francesco Scatena