The Role of Recycled Aggregates in Modern Construction

Written by Nick Towens

At Towens, we’re committed to building a more sustainable future. This means looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact throughout the construction process, and one key area is the use of recycled aggregates.

What are Recycled Aggregates?

Recycled aggregates are construction materials that have been crushed, cleaned, and processed from demolition and excavation waste. This includes concrete, asphalt, brick, and other materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Why Use Recycled Aggregates?

There are several compelling reasons to incorporate recycled aggregates into modern construction:

• • Environmental Benefits: By using recycled materials, we reduce the demand for virgin resources like quarried stone and gravel. This conserves natural resources and reduces the environmental impact of extraction.
  • Reduced Landfill Waste: Construction and demolition waste is a significant contributor to landfills. Recycled aggregates divert this waste from landfills, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for new ones.
  • Lower Carbon Footprint: Producing virgin aggregates requires significant energy. Recycling existing materials reduces the overall energy consumption associated with construction projects, leading to a lower carbon footprint.
  • Economic Advantages: Recycled aggregates can sometimes be a cost-effective alternative to virgin materials, depending on availability and transportation distances. Additionally, utilising recycled materials supports the growth of the recycling industry, creating new jobs and economic opportunities.

How Are Recycled Aggregates Used?

Recycled aggregates can be used in a variety of construction applications, including:

• • Road Base and Subbase: Crushed concrete and asphalt are ideal for use in road construction projects.
  • Concrete Mixes: Recycled aggregates can be incorporated into concrete mixes for a variety of uses, from foundations to walls.
  • Landscaping Applications: Crushed recycled materials can be used for walkways, patios, and other landscaping features.

Why Action Is Needed

There are several reasons why businesses and individuals would be wise to prioritise recycling their waste.

Traditional aggregate extraction, which usually involves quarrying and habitat destruction, is a method that has a sell-by date, hence the urgent need to begin reusing and repurposing these precious materials. Indeed, natural aggregates like sand and gravel are formed over a very long timescale, with our current consumption rate far exceeding the time it takes for these resources to regenerate organically.

The quarrying process itself is disruptive, often harming ecosystems and wildlife habitat, and here in Somerset, we’re blessed to be surrounded by such beautiful countryside and nature, so it’s crucial to keep it that way. Recycled aggregates offer a way to achieve similar results in the construction industry without the same negative impacts.

As a business based in Somerset, the county and surrounding areas remain close to our hearts – and worryingly, since 1970, there’s been a 13% decline in the average abundance of species covered in Somerset – whilst using recycled aggregates won’t solve all of our environmental issues, it’s a great way for you to make a difference.

Less quarrying and natural extraction we all hope can lead to the return of habitats and Somerset, and the whole of the UK.

Towens: The South West’s Finest Selection of Recycled Aggregates, Topsoil, and Building Materials

At Towens, we are actively incorporating recycled aggregates into our construction projects whenever possible. We work closely with suppliers to ensure the quality and performance of these materials meet our high standards. By embracing sustainable practices like using recycled aggregates, we can build a better future for generations to come.

Whether you need topsoil, decorative stone, sand, or concrete blocks, our sophisticated recycling process ensures you get the best materials for your landscaping and construction needs, without the environmental harm that comes with obtaining them.

Our aggregates, soil, and building materials are recycled using a highly sophisticated Matec Aggretec 150 Plant, which produces a range of products available from our sites in Westonzoyland and Weston-super-Mare.

We offer to deliver these aggregates to you, though you can pick them up if you’d prefer. All of our recycled products are screened to ensure they are free from debris, and tested for physicality to ensure they’re of the highest quality.

Who are Towens?

At Towens, we’re a family-run business based in Weston-super-Mare, operating across the South West.

As well as recycled aggregates, we also provide waste management services, skip hire, tipper hire, and several more services, all aimed at reducing trips to landfill sites and being smart with waste.

In total, we reuse 92% of the waste we receive, whilst continuing to invest in our brilliant team, the environment around us, and our local communities.

Want to Learn More?

If you’d like to learn more about our commitment to sustainable construction sites or how recycled aggregates can be used in your next project, contact the team at Towens today! Let’s build a greener future, together.

Our friendly customer service team are on hand to answer any queries you may have on 01934 424242, or you can get in touch using our online form.