Calls for UK-wide network for construction material reuse
Circular economy firm Reconomy urges the UK Government to support materials recovery hubs.
A nationwide network of construction material recovery and reuse hubs would also lower carbon emissions and support regional economies, Reconomy advises.
The organisation says it has seen a cultural shift across the UK construction sector of contractors looking for opportunities to reuse surplus building materials, rather than sending them for recycling, downcycling or disposal.
To support this, Reconomy has established a dedicated Circular Solutions department and has developed long-standing partnerships with reuse hubs, including The Rebuild Site, to find new homes for surplus materials.
The Rebuild Site operates a reuse hub in Carlisle, England, providing local contractors, suppliers, organisations and individuals with a practical way to keep surplus materials in use.
The hub diverts reusable materials to DIYers, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and community projects across Cumbria and South West Scotland, giving access to affordable, high-quality materials and preventing valuable resources from going to waste.
It also provides work experience and volunteering placements, and hosts workshops and events for the public.
The Rebuild Site says it has supported 219 community projects, and more than 20,000 people have benefited from materials donated to community groups and charities.
In 2025, over 30,000 items of surplus materials were reportedly sold and diverted from downcycling and landfill.
Reconomy believes there is potential to replicate the hub’s model in other parts of the UK.
