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Waste returns prove demolition recycling success

THE National Federation of Demolition Contractors, the voice of the UK demolition industry, has released details of the amount of construction and demolition waste produced, processed and recycled during 2006.

The recently released figures from the NFDC show that last year its 161 corporate members recycled or reused more than 90% of all arisings from demolition sites in the UK.

Waste returns from member companies show that more than 26 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste was produced in the 12-month period ending 31 December 2006. However, just 5% of that figure was taken to landfill, along with a further 3% that constituted hazardous waste that could not be processed in any other way.

 

The largest single producer of C&D waste across the NFDC’s five regions was London & Southern Counties with just over 16.5 million tonnes. Of this, just 6% of all arisings were taken to southern landfills with a further 5% going to hazardous waste sites.

Midlands & Wales region generated just under 3.7 million tonnes of C&D waste, recycling and reusing just over 97% of materials; the North West region generated 1.43 million tonnes and recycled 95%; while the North East region recycled or reused 93% of the 1.27 million tonnes of waste generated.

North of the border, Scottish members produced 3.3 million tonnes of C&D waste with just 4% going to landfill and less than 1% making its way to Scottish hazardous waste disposal sites.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors, national secretary Howard Button said: ‘For the second successive year, our waste returns have highlighted the fact that we are achieving recycling rates of well in excess of 90% across the country. This is a fantastic achievement, particularly at a time when many products have been reclassified as hazardous.

‘Our members deserve enormous praise for their environmental approach. Once again, demolition contractors are setting the recycling and environmental benchmark. It is now up to our colleagues in mainstream construction to follow suit.’

 

 

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