Recycling Key Focus to Improve Manufacturing Process
In concrete's life cycle, recycling is present from the beginning. Many wastes and industrial byproducts like fly ash that would otherwise clog landfills can be added to concrete mixes. These by-products also reduce reliance on natural (virgin) raw materials and can improve the concrete products. According to the American Coal Ash Association, in 2006 the concrete industry used 15,000,000 metric tons of fly ash—a byproduct of coal combustion at electric power utility plants.
Concrete is easy to use and can be readily recycled. Delivered and prepared for each specific project, concrete typically produces very little waste.
Finally, when a concrete structure has served its purpose, it can be recycled as aggregate in new concrete paving, backfill, or as road base. Even the reinforcing steel in concrete (which often is made from recycled materials) can be recycled and reused.
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