Australian first initiative to divert construction bollard plastic from landfill

A successful collaboration between Major Road Projects Victoria’s (MRPV), BMD Constructions, OC Connection Enterprises (OCCE), and M1 Traffic on the Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade in Victoria has raised the bar on sustainability and social procurement goals across the state’s major projects.

In an Australian first initiative, close to 1000 end of life damaged bollards have been 100% recycled into new eco-friendly T Top bollards. The new bollards are made from 100% high density polyethylene, while the base is made from 70-90% recycled black PVC. The bollards meet Australian Safety Standards and are safe for day and night use.

OCCE is a Social Traders certified social enterprise, employing over 90 people. Not only does this initiative provide meaningful long-term employment opportunities for people living with disability, it has environmental benefits, supporting Recycling Victoria policy and environmental and sustainability targets.

OCCE General Manager Employment and Enterprises, Steve Betinsky said over 11,000 OC Eco T-Top Bollards have been socially procured since launch and OCCE will continue to offer this eco-product Australia wide.

“We thank you for your ongoing commitment to not only reduce plastics to landfill, but also provide meaningful employment to people living with disability and stimulating the local economy and local jobs through manufacturing onshore,” Mr Betinsky said.

M1 Traffic and Labour Sales Manager, Serafi Taula said M1 is proud to support the initiative.

“M1 supports and values products and initiatives like this, especially when you consider the environmental benefits and employment opportunities it creates,” Ms Taula said.

BMD Constructions Project Construction Manager, Todd Stemmer said bollards are a key traffic control device on BMD’s projects and need to be replaced regularly.

“Partnering with OCCE to recycle and reuse bollards is a fantastic way to reduce end-of-life plastics. Our collaboration is one of many opportunities BMD is taking to help provide the industry with more sustainable alternatives and also promote the development of new recycled products in the future,” Mr Stemmer said.

ecologiQ Director Tony Aloisio said reinventing plastic waste into bollards is a great example of innovation.

“Through this initiative, projects like the Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade are encouraging, as we continue to see the benefits of our growing circular economy – diverting even more waste from landfill. These recycled bollards are just another way we’re transforming Victoria’s waste and recycling sector, creating jobs, supporting industry and innovation and building new markets for recycled materials,” Mr Aloisio said.

At BMD, we are committed to operating in a way which ensures the protection of our planet and improves the environmental amenity for the communities in which we operate. Through innovative design, conscientious delivery and community lead initiatives, we pride ourselves on the impact we make towards a more sustainable Australia for years to come.