The recycled state

Last updated: 7 August 2023
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At SV, we see a future where the world around us is built with recycled materials – from the roads we drive on, to the picnic benches at your local park.

Around a quarter of Victorians don’t see the value in recycling correctly. But they’re wrong. The next time you drop a plastic bottle into your recycling bin, you could be giving it new life as a new railway track that keeps Victoria on the move.

At SV, we invest in innovation and infrastructure to make this a reality – to accelerate the use of high-quality recycled construction materials like glass, plastic, concrete and sand.

We work with like-minded partners – from research, to industry, to local councils and across state government – to build confidence in and demand for recycled materials, support the development of new recycled alternatives, and ensure decision-makers are planning for the future by thinking recycled first for long-lasting, meaningful projects.

The past and future of recycled materials

From your bin to the Big Build
A new freeway in Mordialloc demonstrates how we can create useful, long-lasting infrastructure with the things that Victorians recycle including 570,000 tonnes of plastic waste.
Wasted opportunities a thing of the past
We may see the value in waste today, but we didn’t always understand the endless opportunities in recycling. The history of waste and recycling in Victoria tells a story of the times.
Breaking glass and breaking traditions: Innovation in the construction industry
The use of recycled materials in road and construction is on the rise, as industry and government look to innovate.
5 future trends
We’re unpacking the future trends that matter and spotlighting key opportunities for innovation and investment.

Using recycled materials in construction

Railway sleepers made from recycled plastic installed at Richmond Train Station
Trains travelling through Richmond are now running on railway sleepers made from recycled plastic.
New access covers for roads and pavements using recycled glass fines
This research project investigated the manufacture of access covers using recycled glass fines.
Increasing the use of crumb rubber asphalt in local government roads
The primary outcome of this project was the development of a new Department of Transport Specification allowing for the incorporation of crumb rubber into asphalt mixes for lightly trafficked roads.
Blends of recycled materials made for backfilling sewage trenches
Excavated trenches for sewerage pipes and infrastructure require backfill material to protect them from decay and damage. This project demonstrated effective use of 100% recycled materials for trench backfill materials.
Recycled glass for new pavements and roads
This research project successfully trialled a new road base mix for lower trafficked roads that contains a much higher percentage of glass fines.

SV support for recycled materials

Sustainable Infrastructure Fund – Funded projects
Funding to support local governments and alpine resort management boards to use recycled materials in infrastructure projects.
Buy Recycled Directory
Use our online directory to find products containing recycled materials.