The Washed Aggregates Trade Association (WATA) has backed a call for a government-led survey into the scale of the recycling to produce aggregates in the UK.
A new report by The Mineral Products Association (MPA) estimated that recycled and secondary aggregates accounted for 72.8 million tonnes, or 31% of total aggregates supply, in the UK in 2024.
The MPA has now called on the government to conduct its own survey to replace the last available government statistics, which are almost 20 years old.
Andy Hill, CEO of WATA, said: “The scale of the figures demonstrates that resource recovery is already an important part of aggregates supply in Great Britain.”
“Washed aggregates play an important role in that contribution. Specialist wash plants are recovering valuable materials from construction, demolition and excavation waste and producing washed recycled aggregates and other usable mineral products every day.”
WATA said the report findings highlight the need for a better understanding of how materials are being recovered and returned to productive use.
The last comprehensive government survey of construction and demolition waste was conducted in 2008.
“A current picture of the industry would be extremely valuable, not only in establishing how much material is being recovered, but also in understanding the range of materials and products now being produced and how they are being used,” Hill said.
WATA has welcomed the report, which highlights the contribution recycled and secondary aggregates are making to the UK’s construction materials supply.
