A cost effective recycled glass technology

Recovered glass fines are not used appropriately to support building construction in Australia and worldwide. For example, only 48% of the annual glass wastes of 257 000 tonnes generated in Victoria is recycled for glass manufacturing and the remaining ends up at stockpiles. At present, the estimated stockpile of recovered glass in Victoria exceeds 300 000 tonnes and needs an efficient approach to minimize economic, social and environmental impact due to glass wastes and to find a viable market for its reuse. This study explored the use of glass fines in encapsulation with organic components to produce construction components. These components can be used for different applications, such as: Interior and exterior cladding systems, non-baring walls, features wall and access covers among others. The results from the lab procedure showed that the technology will create a sustainable alternative to other materials in the market like cement and timber which have a high footprint. The research introduces a value added solution to fine glass which cannot be recycled.