Waste Returns Prove Demolition Recycling Success

The National Federation of Demolition Contractors, which promotes the demolition industry in the United Kingdom, has released details of the amount of construction and demolition waste produced, processed and recycled last year.

The figures show that its 161 corporate members are recycling or re-using more than 90 percent of all the material generated at UK demolition sites.

The survey showed that more than 26 million metric tons of construction and demolition waste was produced last year. However, just five percent of that figure was taken to landfill, along with a further three percent that constituted hazardous waste that could not be processed in any other way.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors, National Secretary Howard Button said that the construction industry had much to learn from the demolition sector.

"For the second successive year, our waste returns have highlighted the fact that we are achieving recycling rates of well in excess of 90 percent across the country," Button said. "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."