Old printer cartridges turned into bike path

(Credit: Justin Brierty)

It's no surprise electronic garbage commonly referred to as e-waste is piling up in our nation's landfills, but the Australian National Park Service has a creative alternative: Repeat Plastics Australia just opened a new bike path made entirely out of excess plastic materials from discarded printer cartridges.

The 10.6-mile bike path stretches between Alice Springs and Simpsons Gap in the northwest territory of Australia and sees over 120,000 visitors every year. According to Parks and Wildlife Minster Karl Hampton, the bridge echoes the Australian government's commitment to sustainable development, "saving landfill, trees, and ensuring a longer life with less maintenance."

The bridge is certainly a refuge for local residents and tourists looking to enjoy the outdoors, but everyone can appreciate the money saved in using recycled materials--the entire bike path, complete with a viewing platform, only cost the city $330,000 to complete.