Cleaner aggregates, greater impact with CDE

Based in Redruth, Harts Haulage has taken a big step forward by installing a new CDE wash plant transforming how they handle construction waste and reducing what goes to landfill by around 80%.

Harts Haulage has always been a hands-on, family-run operation. It started with Neil Hart, a few machines, taking on muck-away jobs and supplying aggregates to local sites across Cornwall. As the demand grew, so did the business, but their core values never changed. They built a reputation for being reliable, down-to-earth, and focused on looking after their customers.

As the company’s focus shifted toward recycling and sustainability, they began transforming site waste into usable material for local builders and developers. Initially, the business dry processed the material utilising  a Finlay 883+ Heavy Duty Screener and a J-1170 Jaw Crusher sourced from Molson. They’ve also since added 6F4 and recycled 803 to their product range, giving customers more choice and getting more value from every load.

Despite this process Hart’s were still taking considerable volumes to landfill due to material being contaminated with clay and lightweights therefore not being suitable for dry processing. It was the limitations of this process that prompted Harts to seek a  solution to divert this material from landfill and maximize the production of high quality, high value recycled sand and aggregates which can be used as a replacement for natural materials in a range of construction applications.

Thanks to the strong relationship between Harts Haulage and Molson, the conversation naturally turned to finding a better way to process their material. The local Molson sales team recommended exploring a wash plant and introduced Neil to Matt Bunting, Managing Director of Molson Washing. Before suggesting any specific setup, Matt shared examples of successful installations he had delivered for other customers and facilitated site visits to see them in action. From there, Molson worked closely with Harts to co-create a solution tailored to their specific needs in terms of throughput capacity, required outputs and footprint. With Harts’ trust in Molson, the decision to go with a CDE wash plant was an easy one. The full process, from initial planning to installation, took around seven months, with the Molson team supporting every step of the way.

The washing process  starts by feeding raw material into a heavy-duty scalping screen where the oversize is removed. The remaining material then enters the AggMax scrubbing and classification system, which  combines pre-screening, scrubbing, organics removal, sizing, stockpiling, fines recovery and filtrates removal on a compact chassis. The integrated trash screen allows for the effective removal of organics and other lightweight contaminants, ensuring the production of the highest quality final aggregates.

From there, the finer fraction moves to the EvoWash. This part of the system uses hydro cyclones to wash, classify, and dewater the 0–4mm sand. That was a real game changer for Harts before, this sand would have been treated as waste. Now, they are able to recover it as a high-quality, reusable product.

Coarser material goes through the VibroSync sizing screen, which accurately separates the cleaned aggregates into 14mm, 20mm, and 40mm sizes.

Behind the scenes, the plant also takes care of water recovery. Slurry from the wash process flows to the AquaCycle, where flocculants help separate out solids. The clean water overflows back into the system for reuse, while the thicker slurry is pumped into a GEA CF 7000 centrifuge. The centrifuge using centrifugal forces separates the solids and liquid, with recovered water returned to the system for reuse and dewatered solids discharged for disposal.

Plant and Operations Manager Joe Grindrod said the new setup has completely changed the game for them: “The CDE wash plant helps us recover more, cut waste, and hit recycling targets all while delivering quality material.” The impact has been massive. Diverting up to 80% of waste from landfill not only helps the environment it saves on disposal costs, improves efficiency, and allows Harts to sell more recycled products to local builders. That means fewer lorries heading to landfill, and more high-spec recycled materials going back into the ground where they are needed.

Even after the plant was up and running, the Molson Washing team did not just walk away. They have been on hand whenever needed—whether it is fine-tuning the setup, helping the team get the most out of the equipment, or answering questions as new materials come through the yard. That ongoing support has made a real difference, giving Harts confidence that if anything crops up, there is always someone they can call who knows the plant inside out.

For Harts Haulage, this was not just about upgrading equipment. It was about building something that works for the future. They have kept their focus on doing the job right, supporting local customers, and staying adaptable in a changing industry. With a cleaner product range, a smarter plant, and support from Molson and CDE, they are not just keeping up—they are leading the way.