Recycled rubber in roading
The properties of recycled rubber can help improve road performance and lifespan.
Using recycled rubber in chip sealing, asphalt, and other roading applications represents one of the most immediate, high-value pathways to create a circular economy for tyres.
Globally, rubber-modified roading technologies have demonstrated major benefits in durability, safety, lifecycle performance, and carbon reduction.
Benefits of crumb rubber in roading
For Aotearoa New Zealand, using crumb rubber in roading is an opportunity to transform the resources from tyre waste into long-life infrastructure that improves road performance, reduces carbon emissions, and strengthens local supply chains.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY
Rubber-modified asphalt pavements outperform conventional asphalt in both hot and cold climates. Enhanced flexibility and resistance to cracking, rutting, and deformation can extend pavement life.
WHOLE OF LIFE COSTS, USE OF THE TYREWISE INCENTIVE
While initial costs can be slightly higher, extended life and reduced maintenance deliver significant long-term savings. Utilisation of the Tyrewise manufacturing incentive can help make rubber modified roading cost-competitive.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND CARBON BENEFITS
The use of recycled materials can reduce lifecycle emissions. Alignment with NZTA Waka Kotahi’s Z/19 Taumata Taiao – Environmental and Sustainability Standard framework.
QUIETER AND SAFER ROADS
Rubberised surfaces reduce road noise and can improve skid resistance and drainage, enhancing wet-weather safety.
PROVEN GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY
Used for decades across the United States, Europe, and Australia. State-level mandates such as California’s 35 percent Rubber-modified asphalt requirement and WA Spec BR18/S15R confirm performance and recyclability.
ALIGNMENT WITH GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT RULES
The use of recycled rubber materials can help deliver public value in terms of economic development, environmental and social outcomes, as well as whole of life costs.
ACTION PLAN
An action plan by WSP designed as a guide for next steps by Tyrewise and the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
BENEFITS OF SURFACING ROADS WITH TYRE DERIVED CRUMB RUBBER
2024 report by Tyre Stewardship Australia.
THE REUSE OF END-OF-LIFE TYRES TO ENHANCE THE PERFORMANCE OF CHIP SEAL BINDERS
A 2021 report for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi by WSP.
EVALUATION OF THE DIGESTION POTENTIAL OF CRUMB RUBBER IN ROAD GRADE BITUMEN
A project for WARRIP to assist in the development of technical guidelines.
ARE WE THERE YET?
Material Flow Analysis Report 2023-2024
Australia’s journey towards a circular economy on tyres.
OPTIMISING THE USE OF CRUMB RUBBER MODIFIED BITUMEN IN SEALS AND ASPHALT (YEAR 1 - 2014/2015)
A report on the opportunities available to Queensland for using recycled tyres for sprayed seal and asphalt applications.
TRANSFER OF CRUMB RUBBER MODIFIED ASPHALT AND SEALING TECHNOLOGY TO QUEENSLAND (PHASE 2)
A 2017 report on facilitating the increased use of crumb rubber modified binders in Queensland.
TRANSFER OF CRUMB RUBBER MODIFIED BITUMEN TECHNOLOGY TO WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Development, implementation and characterisation of a CRM Open Graded Asphalt (OGA) and two CRM Gap Graded Asphalt (GGA) mixes for use in WA. Includes emissions monitoring of workers.
INVESTIGATING THE USE OF RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT FROM ASPHALT CONTAINING CRUMB RUBBER MODIFIED BINDER
Crumb Rubber Modified (CRM) bitumen is gaining momentum and WARRIP is investigating the recyclability of asphalt containing CRM bitumen.
CRUMB RUBBER ASPHALT TRIAL EMISSIONS MONITORING
Victoria Department of Transport, report on monitoring of three asphalt crew members to assess exposure to airborne contaminants.
TSA AND SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF CRUMB RUBBER ASPHALT
The LCA assessed the environmental performance of CR-modified asphalt compared to conventional and polymer modified mixes to understand the emissions reduction benefits of recycling OTR CR in asphalt.
SSROC LIFECYCLE ASSESSMENT
South Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils’ life cycle assessment and potential benefits of Crumb Rubber Asphalt using Field Data by RMIT.
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF END-OF-LIFE TYRES
This report discusses end-of-life tyre recovery technologies and the end market products they can replace in Australia.
Specifications and guidelines ensure consistency for procurers, suppliers and roading construction contractors across the supply chain.
View some examples here:
GUIDELINE:
CRUMB RUBBER MODIFIED BINDERS IN SPRAY (CHIP) SEAL
Developed for local councils in Western Australia as part of LG TRRIP
GUIDELINE:
CRUMB RUBBER MODIFIED BINDERS IN ASPHALT APPLICATIONS
Developed for local councils in Western Australia as part of LG TRRIP
SPECIFICATION:
CRUMB RUBBER MODIFIED DENSE GRADED ASPHALT
Australian Flexible Pavement Association’s specification for light to medium duty road.
SPECIFICATION:
OPEN GRADED ASPHALT
Mainroads Western Australia Specification 516 for Crumb Rubber Open Graded Asphalt.
SPECIFICATION:
GAP GRADED ASPHALT
Mainroads Western Australia specification 517 for Gap Graded Asphalt.
ARRB REPORT TO GUIDE INCREASED RECYCLE MATERIAL USE IN ROAD & RAIL
The Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) expert review on safely and successfully increasing the use of recycled materials.
AUSTROADS ATS3110 SUPPLY OF POLYMER MODIFIED BINDERS
Sets out requirements for supply of polymer(PMBs) and crumb rubber modified binders for use in chip sealing and asphalt applications.
LEADING THE WAY IN WA
How Mainroads Western Australia transformed end-of-life tyres into sustainable road infrastructure.
TRANSFER OF CRUMB RUBBER MODIFIED BITUMEN TECHNOLOGY INTO WESTERN AUSTRALIA
A three stage project, including lab evaluation, demonstration trials, emissions monitoring and sustainability assessment.
