Where Are Recycled Aggregates Sourced From? - A Quick Guide

10 September 2024

Natural stone aggregates are incredibly useful for a range of construction applications. They can help with drainage, landscaping and the mixing of concrete, making these raw materials an essential component of so many building projects.


As such, aggregates are always in high demand, where this can place a considerable strain on the planet. This is because lots of energy is required to extract, sort and deliver aggregate supplies, which can have a big environmental impact.


That’s where recycled aggregates come in, where these are reused and repurposed to help to facilitate a circular economy. In this way, energy is conserved and projects can prioritise sustainability.


Read on for a look at some of the specific places where recycled aggregates can be sourced from, as a way of encouraging greener building practices.



Construction Sites


Despite the best intentions of project managers, construction sites will always be a source of waste. This is because materials often need to be cut to size and installed on site, making it difficult to acquire exactly what is needed to get a job done. This building refuse can be conserved and reused as recycled aggregates, helping to minimise waste at all levels.


Demolition Projects


Demolition work necessarily produces waste, where lots of materials and refuse will need to be cleared if an old building is pulled down. Sometimes these materials are still of a high quality, particularly if natural stone or concrete is amongst the rubble. This can then be sorted through and processed to resell as recycled materials.


Excess Materials


Sometimes a building project will be cancelled or delayed, where materials that haven’t been used can be reclaimed as recycled products. Equally, some building sites may over-order certain materials, particularly if a project changes along the way. Instead of being wasted, these resources can be reprocessed and sold on to other construction sites.


Site Clearance


Some recycled aggregates are reclaimed from areas of land that have been abandoned or left without ownership for long periods. Often, materials on these sites are still of a high quality, where they can be screened, sorted and resold onto other projects during the site clearance process.


WM Thompson & Sons: Recycled Building Aggregates For Your Next Project


At WM Thompson & Sons, we supply a variety of premium recycled aggregates to help you to prioritise sustainability across your construction site. Whether you’re looking for crushed concrete, hardcore, reclaimed stone or aggregate gravel, we have the resources for you.


We screen all our recycled materials to ensure that you’re only getting the very best, where you can rely on us for consistent quality standards. Simply get in touch with our team today to find out more.

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