|
In 2008, the UK Government pledged to halve the volume of
construction, demolition and excavation waste sent to land-fill
by 2012.
Central government and local authorities are working closely
with WRAP to implement changes and ensure the target is met.
In addition, the Welsh Assembly Government, Northern Ireland
Procurement Directorate and Scottish Government have added
requirements to use a minimum of 10% by value recycled materials
in all public highways construction projects.
The guidelines set out in the UK government target include
recommendations to source recycled aggregates where possible
and prioritise local sourcing of all materials, as far as
possible, to reduce carbon emissions from haulage transport.
The recommendations are specifically created to inform local
authorities, consultants and private contractors to ensure
compliance throughout the stages of a project - with provision
included for contractor selection advice and careful calculation
for procuring only the required volume of aggregates.
In this manner, all parties bear equal responsibility for
the overall footprint of the project, so that target performance
can be realistically benchmarked and thus realised.
RPS
has submitted plans on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council
Highways Division to facilitate the recycling of construction
waste on site. RPS has prepared three proposals for part change
of use for three of the county’s largest highways depots,
to allow the sites to also be used for recycling the waste
produced by road construction works.
A special mobile plant will be acquired that can be moved
between the Witchford, Whittlesford and Huntingdon sites as
required, reducing haulage impacts and times. Once the three
sites are operational for recycling, the facilities will have
the capacity to recycle highways construction waste for the
whole county.
The introduction of this facility could effectively divert
10,000 tonnes from landfill per year and save 500 lorry loads
or 1,000 lorry movements within the county. A minimum of 40,000
vehicle miles will be saved.
The proposals are supported by relevant noise and air quality
impact reports and are currently under consideration.
|
