Walk past any building site in the UK and you’ll spot piles of broken concrete, brick, and tarmac waiting to be hauled away.
A few years ago, most of that waste would have gone straight to landfill.
Now it’s being transformed into recycled aggregates, or high-quality, affordable materials that are changing how the construction industry builds.
Here’s what they are, how they’re made, and why more builders, developers, and local councils are turning to aggregate recycling UK-wide.
What Are Recycled Aggregates and How Are They Made?
Recycled aggregates are materials made from old construction waste that’s been cleaned, crushed, and reused.
They come from things like demolition rubble, concrete, asphalt, tarmac, bricks, and hardcore that usually ends up in skips.
Once collected, this material is processed at recycling facilities like J T Few’s.
There, it’s:
- Sorted to remove metal, wood, and plastic
- Crushed into smaller, uniform pieces
- Screened and graded for size and quality
- Tested to meet BS EN and WRAP Quality Protocols
The final product can then be used again in everything from roads to housing foundations just like virgin aggregate.
Also read: How is Recycled Aggregate Produced?
Why are Recycled Aggregates So Important?
The UK construction industry generates over 60 million tonnes of waste each year.
At the same time, quarrying new materials burns through fuel, energy, and natural resources.
Switching to recycled aggregates helps fix both problems:
- Less landfill waste – more materials reused on new projects
- Lower carbon emissions – fewer trucks and less quarrying
Reduced costs – cheaper sourcing and transport - Support for UK sustainability goals – especially net zero by 2050
It’s a win for budgets and the environment, which is why aggregate recycling in the UK is now a key focus in most public-sector and commercial construction projects.
Recycled vs Virgin Aggregates: Which Is Better?
A lot of people still think “recycled” means “lower quality.” That’s no longer true.
Modern recycling facilities can now deliver aggregates that are every bit as strong, reliable, and consistent as quarried materials.
Here’s how the two compare:
| Feature | Recycled Aggregates | Virgin Aggregates |
| Source | From crushed concrete, brick, and asphalt | From quarries – natural rock, gravel, or sand |
| Cost | 10–30% cheaper | More expensive (extraction + transport) |
| Environmental Impact | Low – reuses waste and cuts carbon | High – quarrying and fuel use |
| Quality Standards | BS EN & WRAP certified | BS EN certified |
| Availability | Easy to source locally | Dependent on quarry access |
| Best Use | Roads, drainage, sub-bases, landscaping | Structural concrete and high-spec finishes |
In most groundwork, landscaping, and civil engineering projects, recycled aggregates perform just as well and at a fraction of the cost.
Also read: Types of Recycled Aggregates and Their Uses in Construction
Where to Use Recycled Aggregates in Construction
Recycled materials aren’t just for small or temporary jobs anymore. They’re now used across almost every part of modern construction. Crushed concrete and recycled Type 1 are ideal for road bases and driveways, providing a strong, affordable foundation.
Recycled gravel and stone blends work well for drainage layers and soakaways, allowing water to move freely and prevent flooding. For foundations and sub-bases, recycled aggregates offer the strength and stability needed for long-lasting performance. In landscaping and garden design, decorative recycled gravel and crushed brick create attractive, low-maintenance surfaces.
They’re also perfect for hardstanding areas and car parks, where durability and load-bearing capacity are essential. If you’re not sure which recycled material is best for your site, our team at J T Few can guide you through the options and help you choose what fits your budget, project type, and performance needs.
Can Recycled Aggregates Be Used in Concrete?
A common question in construction is whether recycled aggregates can replace natural stone in concrete mixes. The short answer is yes, but with a few things to consider.
When processed correctly, recycled aggregates can make up a portion of the mix for non-structural concrete such as kerbs, slabs, paths, and foundations. The material is tested to meet BS EN 206 and BS 8500 standards, which set limits for moisture, density, and particle size.
For structural concrete, a blended mix of virgin and recycled aggregate often gives the best result.
If you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint or earn sustainability credits, switching to partial recycled content in your concrete is one of the simplest changes you can make.
What are the Environmental Benefits of Aggregate Recycling in the UK?
Every tonne of recycled aggregate helps reduce the environmental footprint of a build.
Compared to virgin aggregates, they:
- Cut carbon emissions by up to 40%
- Reduce haulage miles, since most materials are processed locally
- Preserve natural resources like stone and gravel
- Help contractors comply with Construction 2025 and WRAP sustainability goals
Using sustainable construction materials is also a key part of winning new tenders since many local authorities and developers now require recycled or low-carbon options as standard.
The financial case is just as strong as the environmental one.
Recycled materials are typically 10–30% cheaper than quarried equivalents.
They also cut transport costs, since recycling facilities are often closer than quarries, and supply chains are shorter. That means faster delivery times, fewer lorry journeys, and lower overall spend, especially on large projects where bulk orders can save thousands.
Build Smarter with J T Few Recycled Aggregates
If you want to make your next project more sustainable, we can help you cut costs, meet sustainability targets, and build with confidence.
Contact us today for a quote or expert advice on choosing the right recycled materials for your project.
