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Industrial Materials Recycling: Managing Resources for Tomorrow
RCC Fact Sheet
EPA530-F-07-008
January 2007
NEARLY EVERY industrial process, from manufacturing consumer goods, to generating energy, produces many different types of usable materials. These industrial materials can be recycled just like newspapers—both are valuable commodities.
Don’t let valuable industrial materials go to waste. Recycle them today!
Why recycle industrial materials?
Recycled industrial materials, such as coal combustion products, foundry sand, and construction and demolition debris, have many of the same properties as the virgin materials they replace. They can even improve the quality of a product. For example, the use of coal fly ash can enhance the strength and durability of concrete. Industrial materials recycling also:
- Preserves our natural resources by decreasing the demand for virgin materials.
- Conserves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the demand for products made from energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
- Saves money by decreasing disposal costs for the generator and decreasing the cost of materials for end users.
Industrial Materials
Coal Combustion Products
- Fly and Bottom Ash
- Boiler Slag
- Flue Gas Desulfurization Material
Can be recycled in
- Portland cement and concrete
- Flowable and structural fill
- Wallboard
Construction and Demolition Debris
- Concrete Gypsum from drywall
- Metals
- Bricks
- Asphalt from roads and roofing shingles
- Wood from buildings
Can be recycled in
- Asphalt paving
- Concrete
- Re-milled lumber
- Wallboard
Foundry Sand
- Spent sand used in metal casting
Can be recycled in
- Road embankments
- Flowable and structural fill
- Base and sub-base for road construction
Industrial materials recycling in action
University of California, Berkeley, California
The University of California-Berkeley used high-volume fly ash concrete in reinforcing the stability of its two buildings, reducing the use of fossil fuels while saving thousands of dollars.Denver Stapleton Airport, Denver, Colorado
Recycled Materials Company, Inc. recovered and recycled 6.5 million tons of concrete and asphalt hardscape during the demolition of the former Stapleton International Airport.Cleveland Grand Prix, Cleveland, Ohio
Spent foundry sand has been used to make concrete barriers, including barrier production, for the Cleveland Grand Prix auto race.
Build a sustainable future out of today’s industrial materials. Visit:
- EPA Industrial Materials Recycling Web page
- American Coal Ash Association
-
nonprofit organization promoting the recycling of coal combustion products - Construction Materials Recycling Association -
trade association promoting construction and
demolition debris recycling
- Foundry Industry Recycling Starts Today -
nonprofit consortium promoting the recycling of spent
foundry sand