SYDNEY, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A busy Australian train station in the city of Melbourne has been fitted out with 200 new railway sleepers made entirely from sustainable materials, the Victorian state government announced on Monday.
As part of an 18-month trial at Richmond Station, the rectangular supports for the railroad tracks were constructed by Monash University and Integrated Recycling, using "a mix of polystyrene and agricultural waste, including cotton bale wrap and vineyard covers all sourced in Australia."
"We're embracing new technology to tackle the problem of plastic pollution in our community," Victorian Minister for Environment Lily D'Ambrosio said.
"This project is a great example of the circular economy we're creating through innovation and rethinking a product we use everyday."
While it took over two years to develop the sustainable solution, the recycled product is around half the price of traditional timber sleepers, requiring much less maintenance.
The recycled plastics are also far more durable with a life-expectancy of up to 50 years.
In total, for every kilometer of track laid out, 64 tons of plastic waste will be diverted from landfill.
"It's exciting to see innovative, environmentally friendly technology rolled out at one of Melbourne's busiest train stations," Victorian Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne said.
