Waste to Worth upcycling industrial waste into green construction materials

Charles Sturt’s Sustainability in Engineering research group is exploring how major industrial waste streams can be transformed into useful construction materials, addressing growing waste challenges in regional Australia. Led by Dr Nariman Saeed, the team examined three abundant waste products - mine tailings, end-of-life tyres and discarded glass - to identify practical upcycling pathways for concrete and binder production.

Through laboratory testing, the group developed mixes that reduce reliance on virgin raw materials. Concrete incorporating coal tailings achieved strength outcomes comparable to traditional mixes, while a glass-based binder was produced at 33 per cent lower cost than ordinary Portland cement. Optimised formulations also generated a 53 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Trials with tyre-based concretes demonstrated improved impact energy absorption, offering potential regional infrastructure applications.

This research provides evidence-based pathways for reducing waste generation and conserving natural resources, supporting responsible consumption and production practices.