Blog BVL 4

How Are Recycled Aggregates Produced

Recycling is now becoming a common practice within all industries across the world. This is because we are trying to look for sustainable solutions to reduce the impact on the environment. The quarrying industry is no different as we try to limit the amount of quarried material that is produced. However, demand for construction aggregates continues to rise. So, the question is how do we meet this demand whilst trying to reduce the amount of quarried material produced? One of the answers is to use recycled aggregates.

How are Recycled Aggregates produced?

Recycled aggregates are generally made from inert construction and demolition waste materials such as Hardcore, Concrete & brick. Materials imported under the conditions of an Environmental Permit. These waste materials will be fed into a crusher which crushes the material down to the correct specifications. If the material contains high amounts of unsuitable material, then the material will need to be screened appropriately.

For the final recycled aggregate to cease being a waste, a quality control procedure needs to be implemented and recorded in accordance with the Environmental Agency’s Waste & Resources Action Program or the WRAP Protocol for short. The material must be processed in accordance with the relevant British Standard and to the required properties for its intended use. For example, if the material is being used as a sub-base for road construction, it must also meet the requirements of the Specification for Highways. this control procedure needs to be evidenced at the site of production. The crushed material will be analysed by a quality control laboratory to prove that it meets the required specifications.

Once all the above has been satisfied the recycled aggregate will cease being a waste product. This means it will no longer require any waste management control such as an Environment Permit when it is being transported, handled, or used on another site.

Recycled aggregates are becoming more popular within the industry because they’re a sustainable product. They are also a cheaper alternative to quarried material which needs an extraction process in order to be produced.

Get in touch with our sales partner, GMAT,  for prices on all our recycled products by clicking HERE

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