The Master Plumbers Association of Queensland has received a $150,000 grant to expand the PVC pipe recycling scheme in South East Queensland.

PVC is a widely used plastic polymer in the construction industry, and clean PVC piping, offcuts, and fittings can be recycled into new PVC pipes.

Expansion of the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme will include establishing 22 new recycling locations to facilitate broader participation and accessibility and bring the number of recycling deposit sites to 38.

The expanded scheme will also have an educational outreach at TAFE campuses to instil recycling behaviours into the next generation of Queensland plumbers.

“Construction and demolition waste is the largest headline waste by volume and is listed as a problem waste in the Queensland Waste Management and Resource Recovery Strategy,” said Environment Minister Leanne Linard.

“Current recycling of PVC waste is limited as it is usually not separated from other waste at construction sites.

“With new funding of $150,000, the expansion of our Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme will see more dedicated PVC recycling bins installed at strategic locations, including in Rockhamtpon.”

Since the scheme began, builders and tradespeople have diverted more than 2.1 tonnes of PVC piping from landfill, and 93 per cent of recovered materials were recycled into new PVC products.

Linard said the government would continue to work with industry to identify and implement recycling solutions to divert waste products from landfill and create a circular economy for construction waste.

Penny Cornah, Master Plumbers Association of Queensland Executive Director, said the construction industry has a responsibility in curbing plastic waste and advocating for the planet’s wellbeing. The Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme offers a straightforward solution to reduce the disposal of PVC off-cuts in landfill.

“Numerous plumbing businesses are dedicated to adopting sustainable approaches and we are excited that the Queensland Government is supporting this scheme, extending its reach up to Rockhampton,” Cornah said.