Monday 2 March 2020

Tarmac lays first recycled rubber road in London

Tarmac has laid the first recycled rubber road in London.

Approximately 100 recycled tyres have been mixed into the road surface on Canrobert Street in Bethnal Green as part of the plan to reduce landfill and incineration waste.

Tower Hamlets Council approved the new type of surface, noting it would offer a range of benefits - the new material means roads can be re-opened quicker, up to 10% less carbon dioxide emissions are generated, site safety is improved and toxic fumes are reduced.

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: "It’s great to see innovative solutions to repurposing waste that could otherwise go to landfill or incineration.

"We were one of the first councils to declare a climate emergency and we’re keen to explore all ideas that can reduce our impact on the environment. This product will provide a safe surface with less emissions and disruption during the laying process."

Tower Hamlets Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has pledged to become a carbon-neutral organisation by 2025.