Recycling concrete (crushing, screening and re-using demolition concrete as aggregates or fill) is a great way to cut carbon, save virgin materials and lower disposal costs, but it sits at the intersection of waste law, product standards and environmental controls. Here we walk through the permits and exemptions you may need, the key certifications and standards that give recycled concrete market confidence, and the on-site environmental controls and recordkeeping expected to stay compliant and green.
At K&B Crushers, we provide mobile concrete crushing services across the UK, helping construction and demolition clients recycle materials directly on-site. Our mobile crushers turn waste concrete into reusable aggregate; cutting costs, reducing carbon emissions, and keeping projects compliant with UK environmental regulations.
Do You Need a Permit for Mobile Concrete Crushing?
Yes, mobile concrete recycling is a regulated activity under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations.
We operate under an approved Mobile Plant Permit (PGN 3/16), allowing us to crush and screen concrete, brick and stone materials across multiple sites.
Clients may also use a U1 Waste Exemption, which allows limited use of crushed concrete or aggregates on the same site. Our compliance team checks every project against current Environment Agency guidance.
Turning Construction Waste into Quality Recycled Aggregate
Under UK waste law, concrete remains ‘waste’ until it meets recognised end-of-waste criteria.
We follow the WRAP Quality Protocol for Aggregates from Inert Waste, which sets out the standards for producing recycled aggregates that are legally considered products, not waste.
Our mobile recycling process includes:
- Careful control of waste inputs (no contamination)
- On-site testing and sampling
- Full traceability and documentation
- Compliance with Factory Production Control (FPC) systems
This ensures our recycled materials can be freely used in new construction and infrastructure projects.
Meeting British Standards for Recycled Aggregates
All crushed and screened materials from our mobile crushers are tested to the relevant British Standards:
- BS EN 13242 – aggregates for unbound and hydraulically bound materials
- BS EN 12620 – aggregates for concrete
Following these standards gives clients peace of mind that their recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) meets consistent quality and performance benchmarks.
Environmental Protection on Every Site
Operating responsibly means controlling dust, noise and water run-off on every job.
Our teams use:
- Dust suppression systems (misting, sprays, and enclosures)
- Noise barriers and time-controlled operations
- Silt traps and spill protection for run-off
All activities follow Process Guidance Note 3/16 (mobile crushing and screening) and PPG6 best practice for sustainable site management.
Why Choose Mobile Concrete Recycling?
- Eliminates transport to and from waste disposal sites
- Cuts carbon footprint and fuel use
- Reduces landfill costs and aggregates purchases
- Helps projects earn BREEAM sustainability credits
- Keeps you compliant with UK waste and environmental law
With our nationwide coverage and experienced team, we make it simple to recycle concrete responsibly wherever your site is.
Talk to Our Environmental Team
Need advice on mobile concrete crushing permits, WRAP-compliant aggregate recycling, or on-site concrete waste management?
Contact K&B Crushers today and we will help you stay compliant, reduce costs, and meet your sustainability goals on every project.
