Recycling isn’t just for plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Building materials, such as concrete, can also be transformed into new, usable material. Understanding how concrete recycling works benefits builders, contractors, and property owners alike.

Common Questions About Concrete Recycling

How is concrete recycled?

Industrial crushers break up concrete slabs into smaller pieces for processing. These pieces are then screened to remove other materials. The secondary screening methods can include running the material through water to separate what floats and sinks and using magnetic equipment to filter out metals or dirt. In the past, companies often ground the concrete, but this limited its reusability and often left behind contaminants.

What is the recycled material used for?

Once the concrete is separated and crushed into small pieces, it can be used as aggregate for gravel pathways, drainage channels, and landscaping ground covering. It can also be reused for paving projects, either as a base for asphalt or to mix new concrete for foundations, roadways, or building projects.

What are the benefits of concrete recycling?

For builders and contractors, concrete recycling offers a practical way to cut down on waste at job sites and keep hauling and disposal costs low. The recycled material can also often be used at the same site, which eliminates the need to purchase and transport stone or concrete mix.

These savings can also be passed down to property owners in the form of reduced construction costs, so projects are more likely to stay within budget. Using recycled materials can help with certain green building designations, including LEED certification.

What types of concrete can be recycled?

All types of concrete can be recycled. The exact equipment you need may vary depending on the thickness of a concrete slab and any aggregates it may contain. For example, concrete slabs at an industrial facility would be thicker than slabs at a home because they need to support larger buildings and heavier vehicles. However, there are no restrictions that would prohibit certain types from being recycled.

If you’re interested in concrete recycling to minimize waste on your next project, Rita’s Equipment Rental & Trash Disposal can help. The Lawai, HI, company provides land clearing and demolition services, as well as heavy equipment rentals, throughout Kauai, so you can be sure your site is prepared for upcoming construction. Call (808) 332-8339 or reach out to the team online for a free estimate.