The latest report from the Mineral Products Association reveals a significant rise in Britain’s use of recycled aggregates in construction.
- Britain achieved a recycling milestone with 73.5 million tonnes of recycled and secondary aggregates processed in 2022.
- The country’s recycling rates surpass those of other major European nations, indicating substantial industry progress.
- Industrial by-products significantly contribute to secondary aggregates, highlighting innovative recycling approaches.
- Tracking challenges remain, but efforts to improve data collection are underway, with a digital system expected by 2025.
The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has reported a record achievement in the recycling of construction aggregates within the UK for the year 2022. Specifically, a remarkable 73.5 million tonnes of recycled and secondary materials were processed, marking an unprecedented milestone for Britain’s construction industry. This achievement not only underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices but also places Britain at the forefront of recycling when compared to other major European countries.
According to the report, these recycled aggregates predominantly originate from construction, demolition, and excavation waste (CDEW), including materials such as concrete, brick rubble, and old rail ballast. In 2022 alone, 60.3 million tonnes of such waste were recovered and repurposed, demonstrating an effective approach to resource management. Additionally, 5.8 million tonnes of asphalt planings were reused for road construction, reflecting the industry’s focus on sustainability.
Moreover, the report highlights the growing significance of industrial by-products like china clay waste and incinerator bottom ash, which collectively contributed 7.4 million tonnes to the production of secondary aggregates. This development signifies a creative utilisation of materials that might otherwise contribute to environmental degradation, reinforcing the sector’s innovative strategies in waste management.
Despite these advancements, the report acknowledges a significant challenge in tracking the progress of aggregate recycling due to insufficient comprehensive national statistics. To address this, the MPA is spearheading initiatives aimed at bridging these data gaps, thereby enhancing the policy-making process. A mandatory UK-wide digital waste tracking system is proposed for 2025, which is anticipated to improve data availability and quality regarding construction and demolition waste.
Nevertheless, primary aggregates, comprising newly quarried or marine-dredged materials, continue to satisfy 70% of the national demand. The difficulty in acquiring permits for their extraction coupled with historically low replenishment rates poses a considerable challenge. The MPA’s Director of Planning & Mineral Resources, Mark Russell, pointed out the industry’s evolving proficiency in recycling, emphasizing the proximity of material processing to their source to minimize transport and related bureaucratic hurdles. Investments are underway to elevate the quality and availability of recycled materials, instilling confidence among developers and contractors to specify their use.
The report, penned by MPA’s Director of Economic Affairs, Aurelie Delannoy, highlights the ‘hidden success story’ of recycled and secondary aggregates. While recycling progress is expected to continue, contingent upon demolition activity and availability of waste materials, the indispensable role of primary aggregates is projected to persist amid the drive for climate neutrality and infrastructural demands.
Britain’s advances in recycling construction aggregates demonstrate a robust and innovative approach to sustainability amid ongoing challenges.
