WATA backs MPA call for Government survey into recycled aggregates
The Washed Aggregates Trade Association (WATA) has backed a call for a Government-led survey into the scale of the recycling of waste to produce aggregates in Britain
A report published by The Mineral Products Association (MPA) earlier this week, estimates that recycled and secondary aggregates accounted for 72.8 million tonnes, or 31% of total aggregates supply, in Great Britain 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.
WATA is backing the MPA’s call and has welcomed the report in general, which highlights the significant contribution recycled and secondary aggregates are making to Great Britain’s construction materials supply.
WATA said the report findings provide valuable recognition of the scale and importance of the recycled aggregates sector, while highlighting the need for a better understanding of how materials are being recovered and returned to productive use.
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.
“The MPA has pointed out that the last comprehensive Government survey of construction and demolition waste was in 2008. The way we recover and process construction materials has continued to develop during that time.
“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.
“We would welcome the opportunity for the washed aggregates sector to contribute to that work,” he added.