A Victorian asphalt business using recycled tyres to help build roads is a great example of how creating a cleaner environment is good for business.
Environment Minister Greg Hunt and Federal Member for Aston Alan Tudge today opened the Downer Bayswater asphalt manufacturing facility.
The facility produces asphalt from a range of recycled materials which had been intended for landfill, such as old tyres, engine oils, paint, asphalt pavements and waste toner from printer cartridges.
“I am delighted to see this company is turning Australia’s waste into 400,000 tonnes of asphalt each year,” Mr Hunt said.
“Old tyres harm both our health and our environment when dumped or sent to landfill. Here they can be used to make new products, and be used in sporting fields and playgrounds and, of course, in roads and pavements.
“By adding waste paint to their products, Downer has found a novel and safe way to reuse more of our household waste. Waste paint can contain hazardous materials such as heavy metals which are harmful to our environment if not appropriately dealt with.”
Mr Tudge congratulated Downer on investing in a new manufacturing facility in Knox that will create local jobs and help eliminate waste.
“It’s great to see a local business leading innovation, exploiting the opportunities recycling presents and at the same time improving environmental outcomes in a practical and affordable way,” Mr Tudge said.
In January, Mr Hunt launched the first national industry-led Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme which deals with end-of-life tyres. The scheme is managed by Tyre Stewardship Australia, a not for profit company funded by tyre importers.
