Nature versus nurture

Abstract

Quantities of aggregate used in vibro stone columns are very small compared with the 200Mt plus consumed by the construction industry as a whole in England each year. However, reclaimed materials are already being used in response to both environmental and commercial pressures. A recent study showed that 73% of the 15Mt of construction and demolition waste produced in London each year is reused. However, a survey of England and Wales estimated that only 40% of the 94Mt construction and demolition waste produced in 2001 was reused. The Waste and Resources Action Programme considers that as much as 70Mt of recycled and other byproducts could be used to supply 30% of the virgin aggregate market.