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Under the turf
Introduction
- 35 tonnes of plastic landfill diverted in the demo
- 1,400 tonnes of waste/year could be diverted in future
- Potential for 2,820 tonnes of carbon-emission savings
- Local jobs safeguarded.
Summary
Yorkshire Forward, through Recycling Action Yorkshire (RAY), has helped to fund a demonstration of a process which diverts waste plastics away from landfill and into the fabric of sports pitches.
The Rugby Football Union had expressed interest in the Aquadyne drainage system, which uses mixed waste plastics to produce drainage for sports pitches (replacing traditional gravel or clay). Aquadyne is made by Econoplas Ltd, who now needed to prove the system’s worth to the RFU by creating a flagship demonstration site.
Econoplas decided on a demo pitch at Yarnbury (Horsforth, Leeds). However, the scale of such a non-commercial contract made it impossible for them to independently fund the installation. Recycling Action Yorkshire, which is funded by Yorkshire Forward, was able to step in with £32,000 to allow the trial to proceed.
The initial project requires Econoplas to manufacture 7,045 linear metres of Aquadyne product from 35 tonnes of mixed recycled plastics. Not only will the plastic be diverted from landfill, but the process will save 70 tonnes of CO2 emissions whilst also securing 5 jobs and supporting 3 local businesses.
A successful trial at Yarnbury will open up major opportunities in the domestic and international market for sports turf.
What is Yorkshire Forward’s connection with this initiative?
Yorkshire Forward funds Recycling Action Yorkshire.
You can find out more at www.co2sense.org.uk.
