Concrete waste is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK construction industry—but it’s also one of the most overlooked opportunities.
Every demolition project, every renovation, and every groundwork job generates tonnes of concrete that often ends up in skips, costing money and harming the environment. There’s a better
way.
On-site concrete crushing allows contractors to process waste where it’s created, eliminating skip hire costs and transforming rubble into valuable aggregate.
Below, we’ll cover:
· The environmental benefits of crushing onsite
· The commercial value of crushed aggregate
· The best type of Red Rhino crusher for your project
Why construction waste recycling matters
Construction projects produce vast quantities of waste materials, with concrete forming a significant portion. Traditionally, this waste has been transported to landfill sites at
considerable expense—both financially and environmentally.
However, landfill costs continue to rise, and clients increasingly demand sustainable construction
practices.
On-site recycling addresses these challenges directly.
By crushing concrete where it’s generated, contractors eliminate the need for expensive skip hire and reduce the environmental impact of transporting waste.
The crushed material can then be reused on the same site or sold as aggregate, creating a circular
economy that benefits both your business and the environment.
For demolition firms, skip hire companies and recycling yards, investing in a building material crusher is no longer just good practice—it’s becoming essential for remaining competitive.
Cost savings and environmental impact of on-site crushing
Reducing costs and improving your bottom line
A building material crusher allows a single operator to process waste efficiently, reducing the
need for manual labour to move and sort materials. Crushed aggregate produced has commercial value—it can be reused within your own projects, saving on purchased materials, or sold.
Cutting carbon emissions and preserving resources
Beyond financial considerations, on-site crushing delivers environmental benefits. Reducing
vehicle movements to and from landfill sites cuts carbon emissions significantly. For urban construction projects where access is restricted and traffic congestion high, this reduction in vehicles and emissions is particularly valuable.
Clients and principal contractors now routinely assess the environmental credentials of their supply
chain. Demonstrating a commitment to on-site recycling through investment in proper crushing equipment strengthens tender applications and can be a differentiating factor when winning contracts.
Practical applications for recycled concrete aggregate
Recycled concrete aggregate is suitable for various uses, reducing the need for purchased
building materials.
· Crushed concrete provides excellent sub-base material for roads, car parks and hard standings. For groundwork contractors, having a ready supply of crushed material on-site
eliminates delays waiting for deliveries.
· The aggregate is ideal for drainage applications, backfilling trenches and creating
temporary access roads on job sites.
· Landscaping projects benefit from using different sizes of crushed concrete for decorative features, gabion walls and permeable surfacing.
With adjustable output settings, modern crushers produce material in various sizes to suit specific
applications.
What type of crusher is best for concrete recycling?
Jaw crushers are the best choice for concrete recycling on construction sites. They excel at handling large rocks and concrete slabs, breaking them down into smaller pieces through compression crushing action. Unlike cone crushers or gyratory crushers typically used in mining operations, jaw crushers offer the portability and simplicity contractors need for on-site work.
How do I choose the right crusher size for my project?
Consider three factors: material volume, maximum feed size, and desired output size. Red Rhino crushers range from the compact 4000 to the robust 8000, each offering different output sizes and suiting different applications.
Choosing the right Red Rhino crusher for your project
Selecting the right crusher depends on project scale, material volumes and site constraints. Red
Rhino offers a range of jaw crushers designed for different applications.
RR 4000: small-scale projects with restricted
access
The 4000 is our most compact model—small enough to fit through a standard doorway, making it perfect for projects with restricted access.
Jaw aperture size: 400mm x 170mm
Output: Up to 6-8 tonnes per hour, output sizes from 20mm to 80mm
Features: Hydraulic adjustment, compact design.
Ideal for: Smaller demolition projects, landscaping work or residential developments
Built with the robustconstruction that Red Rhino crushers are known for, the RR 4000 handles
concrete slabs and building materials effectively despite its size.
For contractors working across multiple small sites, the 4000 delivers the crushing power you need in a package that’s simple to move and operate.
RR 5000+: balanced performance for most
contractors
The 5000+ is the sweet spot for many contractors. With a 500mm x 250mm crushing chamber, this jaw crusher is heavy-duty enough for most medium-sized projects whilst remaining transportable between job sites.
Jaw aperture size: 500mm x 250mm
Output: Up to 15-20 tonnes per hour, output sizes from 20mm to 100mm
Features: Easily transportable between sites, wireless remote-control.
Ideal for: Medium-sized demolition projects, landscaping work or developments
We recently introduced engineering upgrades to the 5000+, delivering even more crushing capacity and operational speed. The updated model features modifications to the jaw box dynamics, with hydraulic systems repositioned to a more vertical angle.
This design update allows the machine to utilise gravity more effectively during crushing. The result is faster material processing and improved efficiency—delivering better productivity without compromising the reliability contractors depend on.
RR 7000: high-capacity crushing for larger
operations
For larger demolition projects and operations requiring higher throughput, the RR 7000 is an ideal
solution.
Jaw aperture size: 700mm x 400mm
Output: Up to 45 tonnes per hour, output sizes from 30mm to 120mm
Features: hydraulically driven vibratory tray , wireless remote control, Grizzly feeder, wear plates to shield against abrasive materials
Ideal for: Large demolition projects and projects requiring efficient crushing and separation of materials
This machine excels at primary crushing of larger rocks and substantial concrete structures. By adding a magnet conveyor to this crusher, steel can be removed from rubble and recycled at scrap yards for additional revenue.
RR 8000: heavy-duty
processing for quarries and major demolition
Our newest and most powerful model, the RR 8000 tackles the most demanding quarry and large-scale demolition work with ease.
Jaw aperture size: 800mm x 500mm
Output: Up to 100 tonnes per hour, output sizes from 30mm – 120mm
Features: Foldable grizzly feeder, hydraulically driven vibrating tray, wireless remote operation.
Ideal for: Quarries and large-scale demolition projects
The RR 8000 provides robust, reliable performance for contractors regularly handling high volumes of construction materials.
What sets Red Rhino crushers apart
At Red Rhino Crushers, we’ve earned a reputation as a quality manufacturer of robust British-built
crushers and screeners that perform time after time.
Every machine is designed, fabricated and manufactured at our facility in Grantham, Lincolnshire, backed by decades of engineering expertise.
We build long-term relationships with customers who return time and again because our machines
deliver. Whether you’re a groundwork contractor looking to process waste on smaller sites or a demolition firm requiring high-capacity crushing, we have a machine designed for your needs.
Start recycling concrete on-site with Red Rhino
Red Rhino crushers are built for the realities of construction and demolition work. Our machines
deliver consistent performance in demanding conditions, backed by nationwide support and decades of engineering expertise.
Our team is here to help you select the right equipment and provide a free, no-obligation quote. Get in touch today. Complete our online contact form, call us on +44 (0) 1476 590 790 or email us at info@redrhinocrushers.net.
