Regional Victorian recycling facilities in Mildura are producing Duratrack railway sleepers made from 85 per cent recycled plastic, as part of an investment from the Victorian Government to find innovative recycling options. 

Integrated Recycling received $1.6 million to install a new production line that will process the sleepers as part of the Recycling Modernisation Fund.  

The project will allow Integrated Recycling to process 1,600 more tonnes of plastic and produce up to 35,000 Duratrack railway sleepers each year while creating 18 new full-time jobs.

Integrated Recycling combines plastics previously used for agricultural and industrial purposes and other polyethylene-based plastics with other waste materials to make its products.

Duratrack railway sleepers are used across Victoria’s railways, including Richmond Station, Wyndham Vale stabling yard and Tottenham Station.

Monash University’s Institute of Rail Technology have also previously received $299,200 through the Victorian Government’s Research, Development and Demonstration Grants to undertake field research to ensure plastic sleeper mix designs meet the specifications of rail operators.

The Recycling Victoria – Recycling Modernisation Fund is part of the Victorian Government’s $515 million investment to deliver the transformation of the state’s waste and recycling industry.

The Victorian Government and Australian Government have co-funded $71.9 million towards the Recycling Modernisation Fund.

Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, said the new innovations are great for the state. 

“Through our investment in recycling infrastructure we are creating a better environment for all Victorians by reducing waste, creating jobs in new industries, and deriving more value from resources.”

Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp, said the regional facilities are the building blocks for a robust recycling network. 

“[They] will help us recycle more of our waste in regional Victoria, supporting the creation of regional circular economies and jobs,” Mr Gepp said.