Microplastics from tyres are an increasingly significant contributor to urban pollution. These tiny particles, generated from everyday vehicle use, often accumulate on concrete surfaces such as carparks, warehouse floors, and loading docks. Eventually, these insidious particles find their way into local waterways and, ultimately, our oceans.
At Sydney Sweep and Scrub, we provide professional sweeping and scrubbing services for carparks, warehouses, and other facilities. Our cleaning solutions are designed to reduce the spread of these pollutants and help maintain cleaner, safer environments for everyone. We’re firmly committed to sustainabilit, and we love doing our part.
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What are microplastics?
Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5mm in diameter. They originate from a variety of sources including broken-down plastic waste, synthetic fabrics, and perhaps surprisingly, car and truck tyres. These particles are so small they often go unnoticed, but their impact is considerable—especially when they are washed off roads and paved areas by rain and stormwater.
Microplastics are now being found in everything from drinking water to food and soil. Their persistence and widespread presence have led to growing concern about their long-term effects on human health and the environment.
The threat of microplastics pollution
Microplastics pollution doesn’t just stay where it starts. Once released, these particles are picked up by wind, rain, and stormwater systems. From there, they travel through drainage systems into rivers and oceans. Once in aquatic environments, microplastics can be ingested by marine life, enter the food chain, and even make their way back to humans.
As awareness around microplastics pollution increases, so does the demand for strategies on how to reduce microplastics. One highly effective but often overlooked method involves cleaning up the source—concrete surfaces and industrial areas where this waste first settles. Mitigating microplastic pollution is more critical than ever for these facilities.
Microplastics in our oceans
It’s estimated that billions of microplastic particles are already floating in our oceans. Among the many sources, tyres microplastics are one of the leading contributors. As vehicles move across roadways, tiny fragments of synthetic rubber wear off the tyres and settle onto nearby hard surfaces. These fragments are later carried away by stormwater, feeding into the growing problem of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems.
Cleaning these surfaces regularly, especially in high-traffic areas like commercial carparks and warehouses, can significantly reduce the amount of microplastics that reach waterways.
Tyres are a direct source of microplastic waste
Tyres are the souce of about 25% of all microplastics in the environment.
Unlike other forms of plastic pollution that may originate from consumer habits, tyres are a constant, passive generator of microplastics. Every time a vehicle brakes, turns, or accelerates, minute fragments are released. These fragments are rich in synthetic compounds and toxic chemicals that do not degrade naturally.
Because carparks and warehouse loading zones tend to concentrate this type of pollution, they represent a key opportunity for intervention. It’s here that targeted cleaning practices—such as mechanical sweeping and scrubbing—can intercept microplastics from tyres before they are washed away.
How regular sweeping and scrubbing can reduce pollution
At Sydney Sweep and Scrub, we specialise in cleaning concrete surfaces using ride-on sweeping and scrubbing machines. These machines are far more effective than manual or domestic equipment at capturing fine debris like microplastics from tyres.
Deep cleaning for long-term impact
Our mechanical sweepers and scrubbers are designed to remove dust, dirt, rubber fragments, and other fine particles that accumulate on concrete surfaces. By performing these services regularly, especially in areas with high vehicle activity, we can significantly reduce the amount of microplastics that are allowed to enter the stormwater system.
Protecting your site and the environment
Cleaner surfaces not only reduce microplastic pollution but also enhance the safety and presentation of your commercial site. Whether you operate a multi-level carpark, a large warehouse, or an industrial facility, routine cleaning can prevent long-term damage to flooring, reduce slip hazards, and create a more professional environment for customers and staff.
Supporting your sustainability goals
For many businesses, environmental impact is becoming a key performance indicator. Reducing microplastic pollution aligns with broader sustainability and compliance goals, especially for businesses located near waterways or in areas with strict environmental regulations. Our services provide an easy and effective way to contribute to these goals while maintaining operational standards.
Get a free quote for carpark sweeping and scrubbing
If you’re looking for practical ways to reduce microplastics pollution at your site, Sydney Sweep and Scrub can help. We service commercial and industrial facilities across Sydney with professional concrete cleaning solutions, including sweeping, scrubbing, line marking, concrete grinding and polishing, and more.
