New guidance for the road construction industry aims to improve recycling and clear up confusion says Scotland's environment watchdog.
The document, produced by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and The Quarry Products Association Scotland (QPA) clarifies the application of Waste Management Licensing Regulations to the milling and processing of road asphalt.
The guidance aims to make the industry more resource efficient by providing clarity on waste classifications relating to asphalt road planings and their reuse. By promoting sustainable reuse as an aggregate product, and by clarifying waste legislation, SEPA and the QPA hopes to see significant environmental and financial benefit from an increase in asphalt recycling.
It is expected that approximately 500,000 tonnes of asphalt road planings could be recycled each year. This would provide a boost to the environment through reduced resource dependence alongside a reduced financial burden for firms.
James Shannon from SEPA said: "This guidance recognises the range of benefits that can be achieved by taking a more sustainable approach to asphalt processing and recycling. By providing a clear methodology that produces a product rather than a waste, it means that the further use of materials does not require the same regulatory control, possibly saving firms £783 per site."
John Sheridan, Regional Director of QPA Scotland, commented: "Through an on-going collaborative effort the QPA and SEPA believe the guidance produced is clear and practical and of considerable benefit not just to the industry in promoting one of our Core Values in the use of recycled aggregates, but also to the country at large."
(GK/JM)
Construction News
27/06/2008
SEPA Welcomes New Guidance On Asphalt Recycling

15/04/2025
Construction of a £70 million student accommodation development at 292-298 St Vincent Street in Glasgow has reached a significant milestone, with the building now visibly rising from the ground.
Drone footage has captured the progress of the project, which is a partnership between developer Artisa

15/04/2025
Energy regulator Ofgem is expected to confirm today (April 15) its finalised Connections Reform process, designed to expedite grid connections for renewable energy projects that are ready and crucial for achieving the UK's clean power targets for 2030 and beyond.
The new connections system, anticip

15/04/2025
The ambitious transformation of Glasgow’s landmark George Square has moved into a tangible phase with the commencement of the erection of hoardings around the perimeter of the civic space. Starting today, the hoardings will enclose the Square for the duration of its 18-month redevelopment.
The pane

15/04/2025
Members of the public are invited to attend a consultation feedback event to discuss the proposed infrastructure associated with a new underground electricity transmission cable between the Kinardochy and Errochty substations in Perthshire.
The event will take place on Monday, 28 April, from 4 pm t

15/04/2025
Turner & Townsend have been appointed as project managers to develop a business case for the potential extension of the Borders Railway beyond its current terminus at Tweedbank to Hawick and Carlisle.
This key appointment will enable crucial work to progress on the project, including feasibility s

15/04/2025
Arran Community Renewables, a Community Benefit Society based on the Isle of Arran, has secured planning consent for a 6 MW solar farm. The Glenkiln Solar Farm, located approximately 1km west of Lamlash, is projected to generate 5,600MWh of clean renewable energy annually from 2027.
The £5 million

15/04/2025
A new Route Map has been published by the Scottish Land Commission (SLC) to ensure communities across Scotland secure tangible and long-lasting benefits from nature restoration projects and investment in the country's natural environment.
The practical guide is designed for landowners, developers,

15/04/2025
Award-winning principal contractor Procast Group has further expanded its presence across Scotland with the opening of a new base in Dumfries. The Hamilton-based firm has invested £30,000 in a new warehouse and office facility in the Maxwelltown Industrial Estate in Dumfries and Galloway, marking it

14/04/2025
Glasgow City Council's Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP) facilitated the completion of over 1,000 new affordable homes in the city during the past year, despite facing budgetary reductions at the start of the financial year.
The initial grant of £78.687 million from the Scottish Government

14/04/2025
A key phase of Scottish Water's £11.5 million project to upgrade a strategic rising sewer main connecting Renfrew and Glasgow is set to begin, resulting in a significant road closure.
From Monday, 28 April 2025, Ferry Road in Renfrew will be closed to all vehicular traffic for a period of four mont