Australian recycling efforts halted by asbestos concerns

According to news reports, plans to use over a million tonnes of construction and demolition debris in Western Australia have been halted by concerns that have been raised about possible asbestos contamination of the waste and the potential health and safety issues that could arise as a result.

The original agreement between Main Roads WA and the Western Australia Waste Authority has been halted by the state's Department of Transport pending a review that will be carried out by the Department of Environment and the Department of Health.

Around 80,000 tonnes of such waste has already been used on road schemes in the state and tests have confirmed that no asbestos materials were included in this.

Main Roads WA has reverted to using virgin materials in the road projects ongoing across the state, such as the Great Eastern Highway upgrade.