“A seriously impressive reduction programme built around recycling hazardous wastes.”
That was the verdict of the panel for the 2022 Construction News Awards regarding the Micheldever Road Materials Recycling Facility project. The innovative facility which provides a sustainable solution to decarbonise highways for Hampshire Highways is in partnership with Milestone Infrastructure, Hampshire County Council, and OCL Regeneration.
Predominantly, the Micheldever Road Materials Recycling Facility recycles Asphalt Wastes Containing Coal Tar (AWCCT) extracted from highway works across the county, turning them into reusable products that save up to 50% carbon compared to hot asphalt. The site crushes, screens, blends, and mixes the materials, making waste into more sustainable products.
The facility, which became fully operational in April, is predicted to see 35,000t construction waste recycled into industry highway standard materials and 665t CO2e saved. The environmentally friendly site is also extremely cost effective as the contract can avoid waste disposal costs and the ever-increasing fuel and transportation costs associated with disposal too.
“Local authorities up and down the UK are turning to OCL to reduce carbon emissions and improve highway waste recycling in highways projects,” said Stuart Gready, Founder and Managing Director, OCL Regeneration. “While it was a shame we didn’t win the top prize on the night, we’re delighted to get strong feedback and build on the Green Apple award victory we had with Milestone and Hampshire County Council for the project at the end of last year. The Micheldever project has steadily evolved and is now a leading example of how to not just neutralise but reduce carbon associated with highways.”
For more information on the project, check out the Micheldever case study, and the Green Apple Environment Award win news item.
