A new glass washing facility in Eaglehawk is transforming how recycled glass is processed in regional Victoria. Operated by ASQ and funded by Sustainability Victoria, the facility produces cleaner, higher-quality recycled glass, making it suitable for reuse in construction, manufacturing, and other industrial applications.
The machine removes contaminants and odours from crushed glass, addressing a key barrier to uptake.
'Some buyers have previously rejected recycled glass sand due to its smell and inconsistent quality,' explained Travis Harrick from ASQ. 'Our new washed product is clean, consistent, and ready for use - our customers love it.'
The project is funded through the Victorian Circular Economy Recycling Modernisation Fund, delivered by Sustainability Victoria under the Australian Government's Recycling Modernisation Fund and the Victorian Government's Recycling Victoria: a new economy plan.
This investment is part of a broader strategy to build Victoria's capacity to sort, process and remanufacture recycled materials such as glass. Across the state, funded projects will process up to 344,000 tonnes of waste annually and create 290 full-time jobs.
The cleaned recycled glass processed at ASQ's new facility is being repurposed into practical, high-value products including sand substitutes, concrete and asphalt additives, and abrasives for paint blasting. Locally sourced and cost-effective, these materials support Victoria's circular economy by reducing reliance on virgin resources and keeping valuable materials in use.
'The challenges of contamination and hesitation around recycled products are real,' Gwyneth Elsum, Director Customers & Partnerships at Sustainability Victoria. 'At Sustainability Victoria, we support the innovation needed to overcome these barriers - aligning investment to make circular choices not just possible, but practical and preferred for businesses across Victoria's regions.'
The glass washing facility will remove organic contaminants such as sugars and yeast, enhancing material purity for use as a sand substitute. It is designed to process up to 5,000 tonnes of glass annually - equivalent to 20 million bottles.
The Eaglehawk facility is part of a growing network of regional infrastructure that supports Victoria's circular economy. By improving the quality of recycled materials, these projects reduce waste, cut emissions, and support local manufacturing.
The Importance of Recycling Glass
Glass can be endlessly recycled - but only if it's sorted correctly. That's why Victoria is introducing glass-only purple bins and investing in new facilities to recycle more, at higher quality.
When you recycle glass correctly, it stays in use and out of landfill - supporting jobs, saving resources, and building a circular economy.
