According to a recent study from the UK Green Building Council (GBC), the construction industry contributes to approximately 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint.

To ensure we remain on track to meet the net-zero 2050 target, the construction sector needs to make some serious changes. Opting for recycled aggregates, as opposed to conventional materials, is a prime example.

Here the team at Grundy Excavations & Co explain more about recycled aggregates – including a few examples, their uses, and the benefits of using them.

What are recycled aggregates?

Aggregates are granular materials that are used in the field of construction.

Recycled aggregates, as their name implies, are comprised of the leftover materials from demolition and construction sites. As such, no new or raw materials are used – making them a sustainable choice.

Examples include sand, gravel, crushed stone, and asphalt, to name just a few.

Previously, these materials would have been dumped at the landfill without a second thought. But today, as we’re all becoming more environmentally conscious, they are quickly becoming an excellent alternative to traditional aggregates and can be utilised for various applications.

What are recycled aggregates used for?

Approximately 200 million tonnes of aggregates are used every year in the UK, and 25% (57 million) of them are sourced from recycled materials.

Recycled aggregates are mostly used for:

• Embankments
• Fill for drainage structures
• General bulk fills
• Noise barriers
• Protecting pipework
• Road construction

When contaminants and impurities have been removed, they can be crushed and used in agriculture, water and sewage purification, and so much more.

Let’s find out what makes recycled aggregates so special.

Top 4 reasons to use recycled aggregates

1.    It’s affordable

One of the biggest appeals to recycled aggregates is their cost-effectiveness. Because these materials have been used for previous projects, they are less expensive to manufacture than raw materials.

Also, it’s worth noting that if recycled aggregates are available locally, the cost of transporting them is reduced significantly – helping to minimise your costs even further.

Utilising recycled materials instead of sending them to landfills helps you to avoid landfill tax, too.

2.    It’s durable

Whilst recycled aggregate costs a fraction of the price of raw materials, no sacrifice is made to its quality and performance.

On its own, it appears to be just as strong as traditional aggregate and has a reliable structure. However, when mixed with concrete or cement, recycled aggregates are exceptionally durable and have a long lifespan.

3.    It’s versatile

Recycled aggregates can be used for a vast range of projects – be it landscaping, refurbishments or general construction. Of course, the type of aggregate needed will vary depending on the job, but there are plenty of options to choose from.

At Grundy & Co, we supply recycled sand, gravel, crushed brick, concrete, stone, and asphalt. No matter what project you’re embarking on, we’re confident we can deliver a suitable aggregate for your needs.

4.    It’s eco-friendly

The sustainability of recycled aggregates can be a real boon, especially if you’re keen to preserve and protect the environment.

Unlike other construction materials, such as stone, recycled aggregates are much less harmful as they don’t produce pollutants as by-products.

Instead of letting unwanted materials go to waste and end up at the landfill site, you’re giving them a new lease of life. Not only does that help to cut your costs, but it also benefits the environment and meets UK sustainability targets (as mentioned earlier).

Want to know more about recycled aggregates?

Whether you’d like to learn more about the different types of aggregates we supply and deliver, or you have a question about the production process, we encourage you to contact us.

The team here at Grundy & Co know everything there is to know about recycled aggregates, and we will be more than happy to share our expertise.

If you’re interested in buying recycled aggregates for your upcoming project, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0151 257 8816 or email sales@grundyandco.com, and we’ll get back to you with a fair quote.