Mineral Products Association recommends government survey of construction recycling

A more circular and prosperous economy could be at risk without up-to-date figures, claims the trade body.

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) notes that almost two decades have passed since the last comprehensive, government-backed survey on the recycling of waste materials to produce aggregates, and that data is still in use today – a position the MPA argues is at odds with the change in emphasis towards resource circularity.

For its report, the association has drawn on data from members and elsewhere to assess the country’s aggregates market in 2024, estimating the supply of recycled aggregates (typically from demolition and excavation) and secondary aggregates (byproducts of other industrial processes).

The MPA finds that recycled and secondary aggregates accounted for more than 70Mt of total aggregates supply in 2024.

Representing almost one third of Britain’s aggregates market, this is said to be among the highest recycling rates in Europe and has been broadly consistent in recent years.

 Regarding Construction aggregates supply in Great Britain: Primary, recycled and secondary aggregates, MPA economist and report author Luke George says, 'An up-to-date and comprehensive national survey of hard construction and demolition waste is long overdue. Without more robust and reliable data, it is difficult to identify opportunities for further investment or fully understand how recycling capacity is evolving.'