Waverley Council is trialling a road surfacing technology that can contribute to longer lasting roads and a significant reduction of tyres going to landfill. The Council is participating in a cross-council initiative with the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) to trial crumb rubber asphalt which is made of recycled tyres. Every year Australia and New Zealand produce more than 510,000 tonnes of end‑of‑life tyres. Initial findings indicate this type of asphalt can double the life of the road.
Yenda Ave in Queens Park has been selected to be part of the Waverley Council trial, with work scheduled to be completed in October 2023.
Waverley Mayor, Paula Masselos, said Waverley Council's participation in the project is a very tangible way that the Council is continuing to deliver improved roads and environmental wins.
"Our reliance on cars means that there are always massive amounts of tyres to be disposed of, but this technology can keep more tyres out of landfill," she said. "The added benefit is that this type of road surface is longer lasting and that means better value for ratepayers."
"Our hope for this trial is that it is the basis for this technology to move into common use and reduce the impact of tyres on the environment in a major way."
Crumbed rubber is a powder-like substance derived from recycled tyres used as a binder in the asphalt mix. In this trial across twelve council areas, the asphalt used in pavement reconstructions will utilise approximately 2,400 car and 490 truck tyres – the equivalent of 3,600 standard passenger car tyres.
Further preliminary findings for this type of asphalt include improved pavement integrity and life, meaning less maintenance and fewer potholes or ruts.
