THE FUTURE OF RECYCLING

THE CHALLENGE WE SOLVE. 

The global sand crisis presents a significant challenge due to the rapid depletion of sand resources driven by excessive extraction and environmental degradation. The construction, demolition, mining, and marine dredging sectors are major contributors to this issue, as they heavily rely on sand and generate substantial waste, including construction and demolition waste (C&D), trommel fines, and contaminated sediments. Effective waste management strategies are essential to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainable resource utilisation.

In the UK, waste markets are strictly regulated by the Environment Agency, which enforces stringent contamination levels for materials imported into treatment facilities and landfills. These regulations have led to a culture of concealment within the industry. Waste from CDEW, trommel fines, and marine dredging is often hazardous and challenging to dispose of, contributing to significant greenhouse gas emissions as it is transported across the UK due to a limited number of landfill sites.

• The high cost of disposing of non-inert materials and the geographical impracticality of available facilities often lead to illegal waste operations.
• Regulatory changes are pushing for a circular economy, with upcoming legislation making it illegal to dispose of contaminated marine dredging at sea.
• Globally, the shortage of sand is critical as it is the most exploited resource after water, with the pace of construction outstripping supply.
• Construction, Demolition & Excavation Waste (CDEW) constitutes over a third of the EU’s total waste, generating around 450 million tonnes annually.
• Recycling rates vary significantly worldwide, hindered by differing definitions among EU nations.

RIG addresses these complexities through engineering innovations, including advanced plant design and bioremediation techniques, enhancing the processing of marine dredging waste.