Details
 

Researcher:	Stephen Ledbetter
Funded:	WRAP
Value to CWCT:	£20,000
Lead partner:	Steel Construction Institute
Partners:	Centre for Window and Cladding Technology
Status:	Completed 2004

Introduction:

This project is to:

• Establish/classify tonnages/types of glass composites historically and currently used in UK construction, in existing buildings and in future potential usage.
• Establish the types and locations of building and types/tonnages of structural/supporting frame material used in the above, and how these factors influence the type/fitting of glass used and its recyclability.
• Assess current recycling rates and predict future recycling rates, and the factors controlling these rates.  Will include hands-on quantitative assessment of selected current contract sites to visit and monitor for glass mass balances and waste materials arising, extrapolated forward on a national basis.
• Identify the technical (and related financial) barriers faced by construction clients, specifiers, manufacturers, fabricators, and refurbishers/demolishers in using more recycled products and achieving greater separation/recycling rates.

Objectives:

To encourage and facilitate a significant increase in the recycling rates of architectural (flat) glass, especially where composited with steel, aluminium and other materials in frames and other components.

To create improved site practices for collection and clean separation of composite materials, which will also require investment in new plant, and a change in attitude in the industry encouraged by development of a valuable market for the recyclates.

To develop techniques which do not significantly impact on the cost/duration of a Construction/Demolition contract, have clear cost-benefits, and provide recyclates with high value and demand.

To encourage greater levels of recycled higher-grade architectural glass feedstock into the C & D infrastructure, for more direct recycling as valuable flat glass products.

Outputs: