The commissioning of Rino Recycling‘s new construction and demolition (C&D) waste recycling plant in Brisbane marks a significant step towards sustainability in South East Queensland (SEQ), one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
This hybrid facility, which combines both wet and dry processing methods, is set to enhance waste recovery rates and capture valuable construction materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
The plant, designed by CDE, integrates advanced wet processing technology with Turmec’s dry processing system.
CDE Australasia’s General Manager, Daniel Webber, emphasised the importance of this facility within the context of the SEQ City Deal — a $1.8 billion initiative involving multiple levels of government aimed at fostering economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability.
With SEQ’s population projected to increase by over 40 per cent by 2041, investments in resource recovery infrastructure are crucial to support this growth.
Webber stated: “This plant will be one of the primary supply lines to help deliver on those aims in an economic and environmentally sustainable way.”
Rino Recycling’s General Manager, Daniel Blaser, described the facility as a “crown jewel for sustainable construction,” highlighting its role in promoting recycled materials as viable alternatives to traditional quarried resources.
The fully automated plant boasts a processing capacity of 475 tonnes of C&D waste per hour, translating to an impressive potential output of 1.5 million tonnes annually.
Currently operating at about 50 per cent capacity, Rino Recycling anticipates reaching full operational levels by the end of 2025.
The facility is designed to minimise operator intervention, allowing for seamless transitions between wet and dry processes through a network of conveyors.
“This really is uncharted territory,” Webber remarked, noting that this is the first instance where such systems have been integrated under one roof.
The plant processes a wide range of waste materials — including commercial skip waste and hydro excavation debris — transforming them into washed and graded recycled sand and aggregate products.
C&D waste accounts for approximately 38 per cent of all waste generated in Australia, with the sector producing 29 million tonnes in the 2020-21 period.
The new plant aims to significantly improve resource recovery rates and reduce carbon emissions by minimising transport distances for waste recycling.
CDE’s innovative water management system ensures that up to 95 per cent of the water used in the washing process is recycled.
This closed-circuit system not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to achieving water neutrality — a critical goal given the increasing pressures from population growth and water scarcity.
As SEQ continues to grow, Rino Recycling’s state-of-the-art facility stands as a testament to the region’s commitment to sustainable development.
By championing circular economy principles and advancing resource recovery technologies, this plant is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for South East Queensland.
