In November 2021, the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) and the Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA) launched the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme pilot program with key industry partners to educate and divert PVC off-cuts from landfill.
The scheme works with collection bins placed in locations where PVC off-cuts are generated. This includes TAFE and training colleges, construction and housing sites, and merchant stores, providing facilities for plumbers and drainers at locations they frequently visit. These bins are collected by PVC pipe manufacturers, sorted, audited and then the usable material is recycled back into non-pressure PVC pipes. The data from the audit is recorded and reported to the State Government and is also used by the plastic pipes industry to advocate the environmental and sustainability benefits of PVC pipes and fittings.
The Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme officially began with collection bins delivered to seven participating locations across South East Queensland (SEQ). In 2022, the Scheme extended into phase 2, celebrating National Recycling Week and growing its locations to 16 across SEQ.
Throughout the duration of the scheme – with phases one and two successfully completed – there have been learnings and insights into the operation and collection, including the importance of behavioural change and education.
“It can’t be underestimated the important of education when it comes to these types of schemes and behaviour change takes time,” said Penny Cornah, executive director of MPAQ.
“The growth of participation into phase 3 shows the change plumbers and other stakeholders want to take when it comes to recycling. This year we have seen the scheme expand to 40 locations across a broader region of Queensland, including regional and the addition of recyclers to the locations. One of the objectives of the scheme is to have this across all of Queensland and replicated across other states – becoming our industry norm”.
To date, the scheme has collected 14 tonnes of off-cuts, which is a relatively low number compared to the amount of PVC pipe used each year and this is thanks to the durability and long service life. However, it has been identified within the installation of PVC pipes in plumbing applications off-cuts are generated and this resource needs to be diverted from landfill.
The off-cuts are 100 per cent recyclable and can be recycled up to 8-10 times. It’s critical to understand the volume to enable the plastic pipes industry to educate its position, especially when it comes to policy recycling targets and to look to economically viable solutions to capture this resource and re-use and recycle.
PIPA Executive General Manager, Cindy Bray, said the key to a circular economy is designing products to last.
“One of the common plastics used for pipe production is PVC; thanks to its durability and long service life, typically more than 100 years. This material is found on all building sites today,” she said.
Although most of the PVC goes into the buildings, there can be off cuts that can be reused and reprocessed into new PVC pipes. Overall, the process of producing, recycling, and reusing pipes have minimal environmental effects highlighting the never-ending benefits to implementing the Scheme. Plastic pipes are smart, efficient, and sustainable, providing long-lasting and reliable infrastructure both now and into the future.
So, how can you help and get involved? It’s easy. Jump on board and participate in the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme, check out the collection locations, continue the conversation on the recyclability of PVC off-cuts and begin separating your off-cuts on site. It doesn’t matter how small the volume is collectively; it’s a valuable resource that can be diverted from landfill and recycled.