Recycling cash boost for aggregates industry

Money is now available for projects producing and using recycled aggregates or those made of materials that would otherwise go to waste.


Run by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) the capital competition aims to stimulate growth in the sector, improving quality of available aggregates and increasing their use.

Recycled aggregates come from numerous sources such as construction waste, asphalt from highways maintenance, excavation or the trench rubble produced when the utilities dig up the streets.

Secondary aggregates are those made from a huge range of waste materials such as spent foundry sand, colliery waste and low-grade recycled plastics.

The grants are available to companies using either recycled or secondary material, and aim to help ensure an economic, consistent and high quality supply of aggregates produced from waste.

Mike Watson, WRAP’s head of aggregates, said the not-for-profit organisation was trying to fresh life into this area by helping with investment in infrastructure.

Those applicants looking at improved segregation and washing facilities to add value to the final product will be viewed particularly favourably.

“By supporting new capacity that delivers cost effective production and higher quality end products, WRAP’s capital grants ensure that recycled and secondary aggregates can make a valuable contribution to the overall objective of sustainable aggregates use,” said Mr Watson.

It is anticipated that several facilities will be supported and a wide range of waste streams will be considered and the wrap funding will be awarded following a competitive procedure.

The full grant will cover no more than 30% of the costs of a project and new facilities will be expected to be up and running by March 2007.

Tenders must also demonstrate that the viability of the proposed investment is dependent on WRAP funding support.

The closing date for tender submissions is August 17 and full Tender Invitation Documents can be obtained from the WRAP website.

By Sam Bond

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