Which recycled materials can be reused in the construction industry?
The construction industry is a major contributor to global waste, however, there is a growing trend towards sustainable building practices, and a key part of that is using recycled materials. But what exactly can be recycled in construction, and why is it beneficial?
What is classified as recycled building materials?
Recycled building materials are any products or materials that have previously been used in another construction project and are then reprocessed and given a new life. These materials are typically collected from demolition sites, renovation projects, or manufacturing facilities that produce waste materials. They are then sorted, cleaned, and processed into new products that can be used in construction projects.
From bricks and salvaged beams to entire windows and tiles, all sorts of materials can be reused and repurposed. But it’s not just about giving old materials new life; recycled materials can also be manufactured from “waste,” like recycled plastic bricks or concrete made with leftover steel dust. These are often called “recycled aggregates” and are created by crushing, mixing, and grading used materials until they meet building specifications.
This movement towards material reclamation is a game-changer for the construction industry. By reducing reliance on raw materials and new product manufacturing, recycled building materials offer a more cost-effective and eco-friendly approach.
What materials can be recycled to become useful construction materials?
Some of the most commonly used, recycled building materials include the following:
Reprocessed Insulation
Insulation and cladding made from EPS derived products and mineral wool (including rock wool and glass wool) can be processed through a Runi which breaks down and compresses the material into dense blocks or into bags depending on the input material. The output can then be reused in road construction or for other building materials.
Recycled Aggregates
As mentioned above, recycled aggregates are one of the many things that form useful building materials created from recycled waste. Concrete and asphalt rubble, instead of being relegated to landfills, can be crushed and reprocessed into entirely new building materials. This not only reduces reliance on quarry materials but also keeps existing resources in use, promoting a more sustainable life cycle.
Reclaimed Wood
Salvaged wood from old buildings or pallets, rather than being discarded, can be given a second life for framing, flooring, or even decorative elements. This approach breathes new life into beautiful wood pieces and keeps them out of landfills, contributing to a more responsible waste management system.
Reclaimed Metals
Steel beams, pipes, and other scrap metal, instead of ending up as forgotten waste, can be repurposed in entirely new construction projects. Steel’s incredible durability makes it a prime candidate for recycling, as it can be recycled endlessly without losing its strength, creating a truly closed-loop system.
Recycled Plastics
While still a developing field, some innovative products are utilising recycled plastic for surprising applications like lumber or even concrete mixes. This approach helps divert plastic waste from landfills and creates entirely new building materials, fostering a more resourceful construction industry.
Demolition Debris
Bricks, tiles, and concrete blocks can often be salvaged from construction and demolition projects to be reused in new construction projects. This not only reduces the need for new materials, promoting resource conservation, but also fosters a circular economy in construction, where materials are kept in use for extended lifespans.
What are the benefits of recycling construction materials?
There are numerous advantages to using recycled materials for building construction into your project, including;
Reducing the environmental impact
Recycling reduces reliance on virgin resources, which in turn reduces the need for extraction and processing, lowering the energy consumption required for material production. Recycling construction materials also helps reduced landfill, contributing to a healthier planet.
Cost Savings
Recycled materials can sometimes be cheaper than their original counterparts, especially when factoring in tipping fees for landfill disposal. This is due to the cost of processing recycled materials is often lower than the cost of extracting and processing virgin materials. This can lead to significant cost savings for your project, making sustainable practices more financially attractive.
Performance
Many recycled materials perform just as well, or even better, than traditional building products. Advancements in recycling technology ensure that these materials meet the same rigorous standards for strength, durability, and functionality.
Sustainable Credentials
Using recycled materials demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility and can contribute to LEED certification for green buildings. This not only showcases your dedication to sustainability but can also lead to valuable tax breaks and incentives.
By incorporating recycled materials, the construction industry can move towards a more sustainable future. It reduces environmental impact, promotes resource conservation, and can even be cost-effective for businesses.
How can you recycle your building materials?
At PRM we find sustainable solutions for waste management and have a variety of machinery available to assist with this for your business. To find out more about how we can help you specifically, please get in touch with us by calling us on 01823 665541 or emailing us at info@prmwastesystems.com for more information.