In a combined federal and Western Australian government event, the state’s most advanced tyre recycling infrastructure has been officially opened to help drive the transition to a circular economy.
Tyrecycle’s new recycling plant in East Rockingham will be able to process 42,000 tonnes of tyres each year and will also support 10 new jobs.
The technology will double WA’s production of crumbed rubber for use in recycled products like rubber chips, granules and powders that will eventually be reused in roads and playgrounds.
“Individuals and industry want to do their part to drive a circular economy, from reducing waste to recycling or reusing goods,” federal environment and water minister Tanya Plibersek says.
“This tyre recycling facility is great example of the kind of innovation we need to boost recycling and manufacturing in Australia while creating jobs. It’s just one of the 28 projects delivered so far by our $250 million Recycling Modernisation Fund.
“This is great for the environment and the Western Australian economy. For every job in landfill, there are the jobs in recycling.”
The project was completed courtesy of a $5.2 million co-investment from the federal and WA governments, with Tyrecycle contributing $9.6 million.
The Recycling Modernisation Fund is designed to accelerate the country’s shift to a safe circular economy so that used products can then be either reused, recycled or remanufactured.
Once completed, projects announced under the fund across all jurisdictions are expected to add 1.3 million tonnes of processing capacity every year, diverting valuable materials from landfill for reuse and supporting new jobs.
“Western Australians are embracing a sustainable future, as demonstrated by their support for the state Government’s plan for plastics, containers for change and the three-bin food organics, garden organics system,” WA energy, environment and climate action minister Reece Whitby says.
“Industry is also on board, with facilities like Tyrecycle’s creating jobs and helping divert material from landfill.
“I am pleased to see federal government supporting this project, which will assist the mining industry as it seeks to improve the recovery and recycling of off-the-road tyres.”