Holcim UK open Birmingham recycling hub
New C&D processing facility will support urban regeneration and drive circular construction across West Midlands
HOLCIM UK have transformed a four-and-a-half-acre site at 253 Bordesley Green Road, formerly a scrap metal yard, into a key hub for their construction and demolition materials (CDM) recycling network. Operated by Stoke-on-Trent-based Holcim member company Land Recovery, the Birmingham facility reinforces the company’s commitment to circular construction.
Leased in July last year, the site has been extensively prepared and is now fully operational. Its central location in Birmingham puts it close to major redevelopment areas, including Smithfield, Digbeth, and the Birmingham Sports Quarter.
The facility can process up to 250,000 tonnes of material per year, handling asphalt planings (RAP), concrete waste, mixed hardcore, brick, and rubble. All materials are crushed, sized, screened, and processed on-site. Recycled asphalt is supplied to Holcim’s Express Asphalt plant, while recycled concrete feeds into the company’s ready-mixed concrete operations.
Additional recycled aggregates are also made available for bulk or bagged collection locally, ensuring that 100% of CDM materials are reintegrated into the construction supply chain.
Karolina Knosalla, operations manager for construction and demolition waste at the Birmingham site, said: ‘Birmingham is the next big urban mine. This facility is a long-term strategic investment for Holcim UK, with a 25-year lease that underscores our commitment to supporting the city’s transformation. Our goal is to make this Birmingham’s leading materials recycling centre. We’re proud to be driving the circular economy forward – right here in the heart of the Midlands.’
Holcim UK are working closely with contractors and demolition companies across the region to support regeneration in the West Midlands with sustainable, locally sourced materials. The company is also pursuing ECOCycle verification to further validate its environmental performance.
The investment is part of Holcim UK’s wider strategy to embed sustainable construction in the UK, focusing on decarbonization, circularity, nature, and innovation to create a positive impact for communities and the environment.
With the construction sector expanding to meet ambitious government targets, recycled materials will play an increasingly crucial role in sustainable construction. The new Birmingham site will be central to Holcim UK achieving their targets for increasing the use of recycled materials across its supply chain.
Kaziwe Kaulule, managing director of Holcim UK’s aggregates division, commented: ‘Sustainability is a key market driver and growth lever for us. Central to this will be a focus on circularity, and to drive forward growth, we are targeting 20% of our products made from recycled materials by 2030. This new Land Recovery recycling hub is a huge step forward in helping us reach our ambitious targets and driving forward a sustainable, circular economy in the West Midlands.’
