Heidelberg opens UK’s largest excavated waste recycling wash plant

Members of the B&A Group team (from left): Dr Rob Lewis, Marc Large, Stuart Palmer, B&A Group Managing Director Helen Griffin, Darek Filipowicz, Ashley Bruno and Rob Westcott

The plant, which the company said is the largest of its kind in the UK, can process up to 400,000 tonnes of soil and other inert waste annually from construction, demolition, industrial, public works, and utility projects.

It separates, washes, and processes the material to produce recycled aggregates suitable for use in products such as concrete and asphalt.

The facility includes a drainage and water recovery system designed to capture and recirculate water, reducing environmental impact.

Heidelberg described the £8 million investment as part of its strategy to conserve natural resources and promote a circular economy.

Helen Griffin, Managing Director at B&A Group., said: “Our new bespoke wash plant enables on-site recovery and washing of material, turning soil into recycled aggregates, helping meet increasing demand for more sustainable construction products.

“It also diverts more material from landfill and on-site washing helps meet environmental permit standards and avoids contamination concerns, supporting regulatory compliance.”

Richard Wilcock, Recycling Director at Heidelberg Materials UK, added that the plant is the first of a number it has planned to enable it to increase capacity of recycled products.

“It is part of our strategy to enable our customers to build more, with less and another step towards achieving our aim to deliver 50 per cent of our revenue from sustainable products by 2030,” he said.