How Is Concrete Recycled?

For most of us, it’s now second nature to recycle. In the current climate, where sustainability is prioritised more than ever, it seems instinctive to sort our recyclable items and ensure they’re disposed of properly, whether that’s plastic packaging or cardboard boxes.

However, one material that most of us won’t associate with recycling is concrete. Given how often it’s used, most construction projects will leave behind some quantity of waste concrete. But how can you get rid of this in a responsible and environmentally friendly way? Can concrete be recycled? The team at SCS Waste is here to explain the process.

Can concrete be recycled?

Yes, concrete can be recycled – in fact, this is the preferred method of disposal. When concrete is disposed of in landfill, it takes around 50 years or more to degrade, meaning it’s unnecessarily taking up precious space. 

Plus, harmful chemicals from the concrete can leach into the immediate area, contaminating the soil and water sources surrounding the landfill. Improperly disposing of concrete, on the other hand, can lead to a pretty hefty fine, so it’s best to consult with a trusted waste management professional like SCS Waste if you have excess concrete that you need to get rid of.

How is concrete recycled?

In most cases, concrete is recycled using a concrete crusher. As the name suggests, this heavy-duty machinery crushes large chunks of concrete down into smaller, more manageable pieces that can be used again. However, this isn’t the end of the process; these concrete pieces will need to be sorted and screened based on size, separating larger aggregates from finer ones. 

These concrete aggregates will then need to be cleaned. Magnets and separators may have to be used to remove any metal or other debris that has become accidentally mixed up with the concrete.

Benefits of concrete recycling

• Reduces cost: By recycling concrete, you won’t have to pay landfill fees or transportation costs. Also, when you purchase recycled concrete, this often works out cheaper than using virgin aggregates, meaning you can save money on materials for your next construction project.  

• Lower emissions: Producing new concrete releases CO2 into the environment; in fact, it’s been found that cement – one of the main components of concrete – contributes significantly to CO2 emissions. By using recycled concrete, the demand for new concrete goes down and, consequently, so do emissions. 

• Conserves natural resources: High-quality sand and aggregates are finite, so by using recycled concrete you help to conserve these precious natural resources.
   

• Prevents landfill waste: By recycling concrete, you’re ensuring it can be used again, diverting it away from unnecessarily going to landfill.

How can you use recycled concrete?

While crushed concrete won’t be suitable for every application, it’s still a highly versatile material that can be used in a variety of ways, including:

• Landscaping: Recycled concrete makes for a great decorative aggregate, meaning it’s ideal for a whole host of landscaping projects, such as creating flowerbeds, gravel driveways, footpaths and more. 

• Retaining walls: Recycled concrete can be used as a filler material for gabion baskets when constructing a retaining wall. 

• Roads and pavement: When constructing a road or pavement, a layer of crushed aggregate – known as the sub-base – will need to be laid; this provides strength and ensures all weight is evenly distributed across the surface. Recycled concrete can be an effective material for this sub-base layer. 

• Drainage: Recycled concrete can be strategically used to improve drainage around a property. By adding a layer of aggregates, you create a permeable surface that lets excess water drain gradually.

If you’ve got waste concrete left over from your latest construction project, get in touch with the friendly team at SCS Waste. We provide concrete recycling services to customers across Arundel, Little Hampton, Bognor Regis and the surrounding areas. With our help, your concrete will be disposed of safely, quickly and in the most environmentally responsible way. Contact us to find out more.