Plumbing industry leads the way with PVC recycling scheme
Master Plumbers’ Association Queensland (MPAQ) and Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA) alongside several plumbing industry bodies have joined forces to launch the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme in October 2021.
The Queensland Government has provided funding support to ensure the delivery of the Scheme’s pilot program since its inception, including an expansion of the pilot, which will see additional collection locations making it easier for the responsible disposal of PVC waste.
The Scheme aims to educate and change behaviours when it comes to the disposal of PVC offcuts, working collaboratively with the broader industry to provide easy and accessible drop-off points and helping to divert waste from landfill, which can be recycled into a new long-life recyclable pipe product.
During the past six months of the Scheme, a total of 1,699kg was collected. Out of the collection 1,194kg, approximately 70%, was able to be reused into the manufacture of PVC non-pressure pipe. This included approximately 102kg of PVC fencing. The remaining 505kg, approximately 30%, was not able to be used due to the inclusion of other materials such as metal, fibreglass fittings, water tanks, screens, general waste, screws, other pipe materials and O-rings.
MPAQ executive director, Penny Cornah, says the Scheme has been developed to help the industry understand the volume of PVC pipe off-cuts and fittings that are removed from construction sites every year.
“This scheme highlights the environmental commitments of not only the partners involved but also the industry as a whole,” she says.
“There isn’t one person who can do it all, but now is the time for us to try. If, individually, we do our bit, together we can make a difference. Sustainability is the answer to environmental prosperity, and plastic pipe systems are smart, efficient, and sustainable.”
As society moves its attention towards long-term sustainability, the Queensland plumbing industry has recognised its role in contributing to a responsible and sustainable future by diverting off-cuts of plastic pipes from landfills and recycling them into new pipes.