Permeable pavement created using the same technique (photo: The University of Melbourne).
A street in Yarra is set to be paved with recycled tyres, with a new technology that reduces waste, encourages tree growth, and prevents pollution.
The high infiltration permeable pavement – which will be used to construct a centre median in McIlwraith St, Princes Hill – retains moisture, preventing pollutants from entering our drainage network and reducing stormwater runoff.
The water it retains can then be used by the surrounding trees and plants, encouraging more growth to prevent the heat island effect.
The pavement is made from around 70% recycled tyres, sourced from a Victorian facility – diverting this waste from landfill – as well as recycled glass and rock particles to give it the strength needed to sustain the weight of cars and other vehicles.
Yarra Council has been awarded a $90,000 grant from the Victorian Government through Sustainability Victoria’s Sustainable Infrastructure Fund to support this project. Yarra Council is contributing an additional $75 thousand, and is partnering with The University of Melbourne to deliver this innovative water sensitive urban design project.
Over the next two years, Yarra Council and the University of Melbourne will monitor how the permeable pavers perform mechanically, and how surrounding tree health is affected.
“We’re one of 18 Victorian councils and alpine resort management boards to be supported to use recycled materials in infrastructure projects, through this Victorian Government initiative,” a Council spokesperson said.
“Collectively, the projects will use approximately 2,000 tonnes of recycled materials including glass, plastic and rubber to create roads, footpaths, outdoor park furniture, drainage and pavements.”
The Sustainable Infrastructure Fund is part of the Victorian Government’s ground-breaking $380 million Recycling Victoria: A new economy plan that is transforming Victoria’s waste and recycling sector and building its circular economy.
Find out more about the Sustainable Infrastructure Fund
Find out more about the high infiltration permeable pavement, from the University of Melbourne
