Whether
you’re building a small home or a large skyscraper, aggregates are a necessity
in the construction industry. After all, every building needs a solid
foundation, and top-quality aggregates are essential to creating a rigid and
sturdy structure.
From crushed
limestone to concrete, aggregates can come in many different forms, and they’re
used in both domestic and commercial projects. At a time when it’s more
important than ever to be environmentally conscious, many of us are taking
proactive steps to protect our planet. From recycling to having a meat-free
diet, there are tons of things both individuals and businesses can do to be
more eco-friendly, and the construction industry is no exception.
Many
construction companies are now opting to use recycled aggregates instead of
conventional ones, helping to reduce the need for virgin aggregates as well as
decrease the amount of construction waste that’s sent to landfill.
The process
of recycling and reusing aggregates is a fascinating one, and with this in
mind, we’ve created a mini guide below. From how they’re made to why they’re
beneficial, read on to discover all there is to know about recycled aggregates.
What are recycled aggregates?
First things
first, it’s essential to understand the difference between aggregates and
recycled aggregates. Aggregates are a collection of granular materials that are
commonly used in construction work, examples of which include sand, gravel and
concrete. Aggregates are known for being the most mined materials in the world,
however, as the construction industry becomes more eco-conscious, many are
choosing to rely on a more sustainable option: recycled aggregates.
More and
more, we’re beginning to see smaller buildings being torn down to make room for
much bigger constructions, and whereas demolition waste was once sent to
landfill, this is now no longer the case. Construction waste is now often sent
to recycling plants where it is reprocessed, ensuring it can be reused for
future construction projects- but what is involved in the recycling of
aggregates?
The process of recycling construction materials
When it
comes to how aggregates are recycled, there are two predominant methods used in
the industry. The waste materials can be recycled at the place they were found,
saving on transport costs and reducing harmful emissions produced by industrial
lorries, or alternatively, they can be transported to a central plant.
More often
than not, construction waste is collected by waste management professionals and
taken to a recycling plant in order to be reprocessed. Firstly, materials will
be separated to prevent contamination and once organised, they are ready to be
transformed into aggregates. These facilities have a range of equipment and
machinery used for crushing, mixing and grading different materials, ensuring
they meet the required standard to be reused in construction. The Waste and
Resource Action Programme issued a quality protocol in order to regulate the
production of recycled aggregates. This stipulates that when purchased, these
products should be delivered with documentation stating that they have been
produced according to a quality assured system that ensures the product
conforms to European standards.
With the
process of recycling aggregates being so thoroughly regulated, it’s no surprise
that many are opting for recycled materials as opposed to virgin aggregates. In
2008, it was reported that 210 million tonnes of aggregate were produced here
in the UK, 67 million tonnes of which had been recycled. So, although there’s
still a way to go yet, we are making steps towards a greener construction
industry.
What are recycled aggregates used for?
Although
it’s an obvious thing to point out, recycled aggregates are largely used in the
building and construction industry. From road construction and fill for
drainage to patios and driveways, recycled aggregates render themselves useful
in a broad variety of building infrastructure projects and are utilised during
both small and large-scale jobs.
So, when
asking the question of what recycled aggregates are used for, the possibilities
really are endless and, when you have top-quality materials that have been
quality assured, you can guarantee they’ll be beneficial to your construction
project.
The benefits of using recycled aggregates
In addition
to understanding the process behind how recycled aggregates are produced and
what they can be used for, it’s important to understand the benefits of
switching from virgin to recycled materials. Below, we explore just a few of
the many advantages of relying on recycled aggregates.
Eco-friendly
As
previously mentioned, recycled aggregates are known for being an
environmentally friendly alternative to virgin ones. In addition to diverting
construction waste from landfill sites, using recycled aggregates helps to
conserve quarried materials and reduce the amount of harmful pollutants that
are released into the atmosphere. Overall, recycled aggregates are an
eco-friendly option when it comes to building, the use of which is essential to
working towards a greener environment.
Cost-effective
Recycled aggregates
cost less to produce and as a result, they are cheaper to purchase than their
virgin counterparts. Whether in the construction industry or another sector
entirely, all business owners strive to cut costs wherever possible and with
recycled aggregates, you can get a cheaper product without sacrificing on
quality, making it an extremely cost-effective purchase for those working in
construction.
Array of applications
As mentioned
previously, recycled aggregates can be utilised in a range of different
building and construction projects and further to this, they can be suitable
for both domestic and commercial projects. The flexibility and versatility of
recycled aggregates is undoubtedly a selling point and is bound to be extremely
convenient for you when planning your upcoming project.
Quality
When opting
for recycled aggregates, you can guarantee you won’t be compromising on
quality. Strict rules and regulations are in place to ensure that recycled
aggregates are quality assured and of a certain standard before they’re sold,
and thorough processing ensures the removal of all contaminants. Recycled
aggregates are also just as strong and durable as their natural counterparts
and are made to withstand the test of time. So, if you’re concerned that a reduction
in price reflects a reduction in quality, you needn’t worry as recycled
aggregates are extremely strong and safe to use.
Graham Churchill Plant Ltd: a waste management
company in Silverstone with an array of different specialities
At Graham
Churchill Plant Ltd, we offer a broad range of services to both domestic and
commercial clients. Whether you require land reclamation or waste removal
services, we can surely assist and we will tailor our services to suit your
specific needs.
We offer a
complete recycling service for building and construction businesses across
Northamptonshire and can supply you with the aggregates
you need for your upcoming project.
From crushed limestone and concrete to topsoil and crushed tarmac, we have many
products available and we strive to be eco-conscious in everything we do in
order to work towards a greener environment.
As a
business with over 50 years’ experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on
offering an unparalleled and all-encompassing waste management service. Our
experts are committed to providing a top-quality service and we promise to
deliver a customer experience that’s second to none.
For more
information on our solid waste management services, get in touch
today and give your business the
boost it needs with Graham Churchill Plant Ltd.
