Best practices for recycling your PVC off-cuts
Five months into Phase 3 of the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme, we’re receiving positive feedback on the initiative and it’s great to see the collection bins fill with PVC off-cuts. As of September 2024, we have collected and recycled 6,693 kg of PVC off-cuts.
While most bins are showing no levels of contamination, we have on occasion received items in the collection bins that aren’t PVC or recyclable. To help assist industry in identifying the correct PVC materials suitable for recycling, we have put together a Safe Work Instructions for PVC Recycled Content manual. The manual provides information on what is permitted and not permitted for collection.
What you can and cannot drop in the bins:
👍 Yes please! 👍
PVC-U non-pressure pipe and fittings off-cuts
PVC pressure pipe and fittings off-cuts*
Note: Solvent cement on pipe and fittings is okay. *This includes PVC-U, PVC-M, and PVC-0
❌ No thanks ❌
Rubber rings
Mud and stones
Marking tape/strapping
Screws or nails
Fibreglass wrapped fittings
General waste
Other pipe materials*
Note: Heavily soiled products cannot be accepted due to Health Regulations. *Polypropylene (Traps), Hot and Cold Systems (PEX,PB), Gas Systems PEX, Composites), Polyethylene pipes, and fittings not acceptederence.
Collecting PVC pipes and fittings on work sites
Before dropping off your recycled pipes and fittings at one of the bins, please make sure:
There are no heavily soiled products. If there are mud or stones, please give them a quick wash on site.
No used sewer pipes. Due to health regulations, these cannot be accepted and appropriate WorkSafe processes should be carried out.
No tape or hangers attached to the pipes. Just quickly remove these and dispose of them in the appropriate facilities. Only PVC is permitted in the collection bins.
No other products than PVC pipes and fittings. Other materials are not permitted in the bins.