Reducing Your Carbon Footprint: Can Concrete Be Recycled?

With the climate crisis in full swing, everyone should be looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Of course, when working in construction, working with fresh resources isn’t always avoidable - especially for large-scale projects. However, that’s not to say that you can’t dispose of existing or old resources responsibly.

In this blog, we will be looking at different ways existing concrete can be reused and recycled, so that its life is extended and you are reducing your negative impact on the environment at the same time.



Aggregates

Believe it or not, concrete can actually be recycled in a continuous cycle. If you are demolishing a building or other concrete structure, this concrete can then be broken down further into aggregates, which can then be used in the production of new concrete. Not only does using recycled concrete aggregates reduce the need for aggregates sourced from raw materials, but they are great for reinforcing the strength of the new concrete!

Gabion Walls

Gabion walls are cage-like wire enclosures that are filled with inorganic materials such as brick or stone. Their main use has been for protection from erosion along slopes, river banks and shorelines, though nowadays they are also used for a number of practical and aesthetic reasons - they have particularly grown in popularity for use in gardens in recent years.

In place of stones or bricks, broken up bits of concrete could just as effectively be used to create gabion walls.

Rip Rap

Rip rap is a type of defence against erosion (typically found along coastlines) made up of rocks and boulders that interlock and are placed across a shoreline, sometimes extending out to sea. It works as such by protecting the beach face and dissipating wave energy.

Similar to how it can be used in gabion walls, concrete, then, can be used to make rip rap. Rather than disposing of concrete debris from a demolished building or structure, these bits of concrete can be used to effectively construct rip rap, with its strength and durability making it ideal for the job.

Paving Blocks

A practical and aesthetic way to use reclaimed concrete is in landscaping - concrete slabs make for great paving stones to create a public path or a walkway in a garden. Not only does the mismatched appearance of different sized pieces of concrete give a pleasing rural appearance that adds character to a path or walkway, but its porosity allows for excellent drainage - which is always more preferable when creating pathways.

Concrete Contractors

Have you found a use for your reclaimed concrete, but are still in need of fresh concrete supplies for a new building project? Here at Forth Valley Concrete Ltd, we have all you need to get the job done, from concrete blocks and bases to ready mix concrete.

Get in touch with us today for more information and to arrange your free quote.