Joint Tarmac and National Grid recycling project slashes utility trench costs
Initial findings from an innovative recycling project have been revealed by Tarmac and National Grid, showing substantial environmental benefits.
The two companies’ joint trial has so far resulted in 4,000 tonnes of utility trench spoil being recycled into trench backfill material – and not being sent to landfill. Tarmac and National Grid have been working closely with Staffordshire County Council, as well as local authorities in the county, on the project.
The project was initiated to reduce the volume of waste material being sent to tip as a result of utility works in Staffordshire - in line with Tarmac and National Grid’s commitments to cut waste and in response to environmental legislation that aims to reduce landfill tipping.
The trial is being jointly run by Tarmac, through its recycling facility in Stoke-on-Trent, and Wolverhampton-based West Midlands Gas Alliance, a partnership between National Grid and utility company Morgan Est.
Tarmac and National Grid are capable of recycling 100 per cent of the material that is being excavated during utility works, with the recycled material classified as ‘Stabilised Material as a Fill’ (SMF), a material equivalent to ‘Class A Graded Granular Backfill’ - an alternative sub-base for mainly footpaths and Type 2,3 and 4 roads.
SMF is designed to ensure a minimum immediate 30 per cent CBR (California Bearing Ratio) on compaction, a challenging standard which allows overlaying asphalt voids to be compacted immediately - saving the time needed to complete work and associated costs of labour and plant.
SMF materials are regulated by the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee (HAUC) specification, which demands that proprietary products must be put through a rigorous two-year approval trial with a local authority.
Neil Roberts, development director for Tarmac’s Recycling division, said: “The success of the trial to date confirms that SMF cuts the costs of tipping and transporting material, as well as landfill and aggregate taxes. It promises to help utility companies and councils across the UK to deliver recycling and productivity targets and we are expecting much more interest in the product.”
Justin Page at National Grid, said: “This solution is good for the environment as excavated materials are reused, it will help us to achieve our ‘Road to Zero’ programme which aims to deliver zero injuries, occupational ill health, environmental and security incidents. This includes a zero waste to landfill and will also help to cut the cost of sending waste material to tip.”
See more info on Tarmac Recycling
17 December 2007
