Council is seeking expressions of interest from contractors experienced in concrete recycling.
30 May 2025
Bega Valley Shire Council is inviting experienced contractors to help shape the future of waste brick and concrete recycling, with an Expression of Interest (EOI) set to open in early June.
The call-out marks an early step in exploring how Council might work more closely with industry to turn a current challenge into a smart, sustainable opportunity.
"Council has managed brick and concrete recycling on a limited, as-needed basis for a few years now," Waste Strategy Coordinator, Tim Cook said.
"This EOI invites experienced contractors to help us explore what's possible and whether it's a service we manage or deliver in partnership."
Since 2019, Council has been stockpiling brick and concrete waste at the Eden Waste and Recycling Centre, diverting around 9,000 cubic metres of resources from landfill.
"However, with more than 6,000 cubic metres still unprocessed and limited capacity to manage it, it's clear we need to explore more effective and sustainable solutions," Mr Cook said.
"Recycling concrete and brick products is smart business practice that offers great environmental outcomes. It reduces landfill space, lowers transport costs and slashes emissions tied to extracting and producing new materials.
"Industry research shows that recycling concrete can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 65% compared to producing new aggregate. It's already widely used in road base, drainage fill and even new concrete, proving its value as a versatile resource.
"This EOI is not about entering into a tender agreement just yet; it's about understanding how the market might help improve efficiency, scale and impact.
"We're looking for ideas, insights and honest feedback from contractors with more experience than us in this field.
"Much like the organics EOI we ran in 2021, the results of this process will help guide future strategy and investment in an emerging industry."
The EOI will be available via Council's Vendor Panel procurement portal on Wednesday 4 June, closing on Friday 18 July, giving interested parties time to respond outside the end-of-financial-year crunch.
