In 2008, the UK Government pledged to halve the volume of construction, demolition and excavation waste sent to land-fill by 20121. Central government and local authorities are working closely with WRAP to implement changes, and ensure the target is met. In addition, the Welsh Assembly Government, Northern Ireland Procurement Directorate and Scottish Government have added requirements to use a minimum of 10% by value recycled materials in all public highways construction projects.
The guidelines set out in the Government target include recommendations to source recycled aggregates where possible, and prioritise local sourcing of all materials as far as possible to reduce carbon emissions from haulage transport. The recommendations are specifically created to inform local authorities, consultants and private contractors to ensure compliance throughout the stages of a project -with provision included for contractor selection advice, and careful calculation for procuring only the required volume of aggregates.
In this manner, all parties bear equal responsibility for the overall footprint of the project, so that target performance can be realistically benchmarked and thus realised.
RPS has submitted plans on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council Highways Division to facilitate the recycling of construction waste on site. RPS has prepared three proposals for part change of use for three of the county’s largest highways depots, to allow the sites to also be used for recycling the waste produced by road construction works.
A special mobile plant will be acquired that can be moved between the Witchford, Whittlesford and Huntingdon sites as required, reducing haulage impacts and times. Once the three sites are operational for recycling, the facilities will have the capacity to recycle highways construction waste for the whole county. The introduction of this facility could effectively divert 10,000 tonnes from landfill per year, and save 500 lorry loads or 1,000 lorry movements within the County. A minimum of 40,000 vehicle miles will be saved.
The proposals are supported by relevant noise and air quality impact reports and are currently under consideration.
Contact:
Don Proctor
T: +44 (0) 1480 466 335
E: proctord@rpsgroup.com
1 Halving Waste to Landfill Commitment, National Indicators 185 and 186 for local authorities.