Plumbing Industry Leading the Way with PVC Recycling Scheme

The Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme celebrated National Recycling Week by expanding its presence and reach across Southeast Queensland, further contributing to a responsible and sustainable future.
 

Master Plumbers’ Association Queensland (MPAQ) and Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA), in conjunction with Iplex, Reece, Tradelink, and Vinidex, 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.

Breakfast events were held across Southeast Queensland today at eight Reece and Tradelink stores to officially launch the growth of the Scheme during National Recycling Week.

The Construction Plastics Recycling 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 last 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.

Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland’s Executive Director, Penny Cornah, said the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme has been developed to help 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.”

“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.

Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia’s 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. Although most of the PVC goes into the buildings, there can be off-cuts that can be reused and reprocessed into new PVC pipe,” Ms Bray said.

“Overall, the process of producing, recycling, and reusing pipes have minimal environmental effects highlighting the never-ending benefits to implementing the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme. Plastic pipes are smart, efficient, and sustainable, providing long-lasting and reliable infrastructure both now and into the future,” Ms Bray said.

The Construction Plastics Recycling scheme partners are committed to the Australian community and environment. The scheme aims to educate and recycle plastic pipe and fittings waste, diverting from landfill to contribute to a responsible and sustainable future.

Participating Partners

• Master Plumbers’ Association Queensland (MPAQ) – www.mpaq.com.au
• Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA) – www.pipa.com.au
• Iplex – www.iplex.com.au
• Reece – www.reece.com.au
• Tradelink – www.tradelink.com.au
• Vinidex – www.vinidex.com.au

Participating Locations

• Beenleigh Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre
• Bond Institute of Health and Sport - Robina
• Brisbane Queens Wharf Development (Towers 1 and 2)
• Prominence Outlook Pallara
• Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment
• Reece Brown Plains
• Reece Mansfield
• Reece Labrador
• Reece Enoggera
• Toowoomba TAFE
• Tradelink Burleigh Heads
• Tradelink Kunda Park
• Tradelink North Lakes
• Tradelink Woolloongabba

To find out more about the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme and what can and cannot be recycled, visit www.mpaq.com.au/pvc.

-ENDS -

For more information:

Penny Cornah
Executive Director
Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland
penny.cornah@mpaq.com.au
0418 724 457
07 3273 0800

Cindy Bray
Executive General Manager
Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia
cindy.bray@pipa.com.au
0459 919 437