Defining Recycled Aggregates and The Different Types

When it comes to finding sustainable materials for construction projects, look no further than recycled aggregates. From crushed concrete to asphalt products, these eco-friendly materials are great for a variety of uses. It’s important to know, therefore, what the different types of recycled aggregates actually are, and how they can be used.

Read on for information about four different types of recycled aggregates.



Reclaimed Stone

When it comes to giving dilapidated buildings new life, one great way is to reuse their stone. Reclaimed stone can be found in all sorts of disused structures, from bridges to buildings. They are usually beautifully worn and help to create a timeless appearance for any project.

Common types of reclaimed stone include limestone, granite and sandstone. When bought new, stone such as granite can be needlessly costly. Reclaimed stone is a fantastic way to get durable materials at a good price point while ensuring your project is eco-friendly.

Crushed Concrete

Generally, we think of landfills as sites where both unrecyclable materials and household waste end up. However, did you know that materials like concrete can be recycled and repurposed by being crushed?

Crushed concrete is made from crushing up old roads and buildings. It is a material regularly used in construction projects, great for creating drainage ditches. It can also be made into blocks for foundations, or crushed as a patio material. Crushed concrete can be found at local quarries, making it an easily accessible material.

Asphalt Products

We typically recognise asphalt as the material that paves our modern roads. Asphalt is made of aggregates and a material known as bitumen, which binds together the recycled materials. As a sustainable material, asphalt quickly replaced tarmac as the material we use for roads.

Asphalt is a strong and durable material, that hardens when it dries. The material is very low-maintenance too, and can withstand various temperature fluctuations. As a waterproof material, it lessens the risk of water absorbing into our roads and becoming a hazard for drivers and other road users.

Aggregate Gravel

Gravel is a loose material, consisting of sand, rocks and crushed stones. Made of recycled and repurposed materials, aggregate gravel is a sustainable construction material, great for a myriad of uses. It’s great for quickly and efficiently filling construction sites, as well as being used as

Besides construction purposes, gravel is great for water purposes too. The small stones can change the way water moves, either to reduce erosion or as purely an aesthetic solution. Try using gravel in outdoor water features to create a unique but effective management of water.

What We Do

Our company offers all the above products and more, so whatever your needs might be for a sustainable building project, let us help to meet them. At WM Thompson & Son, we take our responsibility to the environment seriously, in addition to ensuring we make sure all of our products have been through our quality control process.

For recycled aggregates, look no further than WM Thompson & Son. To learn more about our services and our team, visit our website or contact us directly now.