The UK construction industry generates millions of tonnes of waste annually, with concrete blocks and demolition debris making up a significant portion.
Rather than sending this material to landfill, forward-thinking construction companies are recognising crushed concrete as the valuable resource that it is.
By recycling concrete blocks on-site, businesses can transform construction waste into recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) — a versatile, cost-effective building material that delivers environmental and financial benefits.
At Red Rhino, we have a range of jaw crushers and screeners perfectly suited to those looking to recycle concrete on-site, save money and reuse materials. From our compact yet powerful RR 4000 jaw crusher to our robust RR 8000 model, we have the right crusher for any job.
What is recycled concrete aggregate?
Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is produced by crushing old concrete, concrete blocks, and concrete debris into smaller pieces suitable for reuse in new construction projects. Through concrete crushing, large pieces of concrete are reduced to manageable pieces, then processed into small pieces that can replace virgin materials in various applications.
The process involves breaking down concrete materials using a concrete crusher — typically a jaw crusher — which reduces concrete waste into a crushed material of consistent size. This transforms what would otherwise be demolition waste into a practical raw material for your next project.
How are concrete blocks recycled?
Recycling concrete blocks involves several key stages:
- Collection and sorting
Broken concrete from demolition projects is gathered and sorted to remove contaminants such as timber, plastics, and metals.
- Crushing
Concrete pieces are fed into a mobile crusher, where a jaw crusher breaks down large pieces of concrete into smaller, manageable pieces. Red Rhino jaw crushers feature adjustable jaw settings, allowing operators to control the final product size — from 20mm up to 120mm depending on the model.
- Repurposing
The crushed material can be reused in the same project, or sold on to others.
Applications of recycled concrete aggregate
Recycled concrete aggregate has numerous common uses across the construction industry:
- Sub-bases and road base – crushed concrete makes ideal base layers for roads, pathways, and car parks.
- New concrete mixes – recycled concrete aggregate can partially replace natural aggregates in fresh concrete production.
- Pipe bedding and drainage – crushed concrete provides excellent stability for pipe bedding and drainage systems.
Environmental benefits of concrete recycling
The construction industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Concrete recycling directly addresses several environmental concerns:
Reducing landfill waste
Every tonne of waste concrete diverted from landfill reduces the environmental impact of your demolition project.
Conserving natural resources
By using recycled concrete aggregate instead of virgin materials, we reduce the need to quarry natural aggregates, preserving natural resources and minimising habitat destruction.
Reducing carbon emissions
Transporting new construction materials from quarries generates substantial carbon emissions. Processing construction waste on-site with a mobile crusher (like our compact RR 4000 model, ideal for navigating smaller spaces) eliminates much of this transportation.
Supporting UK recycling targets
The UK government has set ambitious targets for construction waste recovery. By incorporating concrete recycling into standard site practices, construction companies can demonstrate compliance with environmental regulations whilst contributing to national sustainability goals.
Financial benefits of on-site concrete recycling
Beyond the environmental credentials, recycling concrete blocks delivers measurable cost savings:
- Eliminating landfill fees
- Reducing material costs
- Creating revenue streams (by selling excess aggregate)
- Improving operational efficiency
Is on-site concrete recycling cost-effective?
Absolutely. Processing waste concrete on-site with a mobile crusher eliminates landfill fees, reduces expenditure on purchased building materials, and cuts transportation costs. Many construction companies find that a crusher pays for itself quickly through savings on skip hire, reduced material purchases, and potential revenue from selling surplus crushed concrete.
What is the best type of crusher for recycling concrete blocks?
A jaw crusher is generally the excellent choice for recycling concrete blocks and demolition waste. Jaw crushers can handle large pieces of concrete, process reinforced material, and produce consistent output sizes. Mobile crushers or portable crushers offer additional advantages by allowing on-site processing, eliminating transportation costs and reducing carbon emissions.
Choosing the right crusher for concrete recycling
Different types of crushers suit different scales of operation. Jaw crushers are generally the preferred choice for concrete blocks and concrete structures due to their reliability and ability to handle reinforced material.
Red Rhino manufactures a range of British-designed jaw crushers specifically engineered for recycling concrete blocks and demolition waste:
RR 4000
Our compact 4000 model is perfect for smaller demolition projects and sites with restricted access. Measuring just 780mm wide, it can fit through standard doorways. Despite its size, it processes concrete blocks, brick, and reinforced concrete with ease.
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
RR 5000 Plus
A larger model, the 5000 Plus features a hydraulically driven vibrating feeder and adjustable jaw settings. Easily transported using a plant trailer, this crusher features a wireless remote control system to allow safe one-person operation.
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.
RR 7000
With a 700mm x 400mm jaw aperture, the 7000 is ideal for large demolition projects requiring efficient crushing and separation of materials. The integrated grizzly feeder separates fines from larger material, whilst the optional magnet removes steel reinforcement — which can then be sold to scrap yards for additional value.
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.
RR 8000
Our flagship 8000 model is engineered for high-intensity workloads in quarry environments and major demolition projects. The fully cast crusher box (weighing 7.5 tonnes alone) provides exceptional durability for processing types of concrete in demanding applications.
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.
Red Rhino: your partner in sustainable construction
At Red Rhino, we’re passionate about helping UK construction companies, demolition contractors, skip hire firms, and recycling yards maximise operational efficiency whilst reducing environmental impact. Our crushers are designed and manufactured entirely in Britain, backed by decades of engineering expertise.
Every Red Rhino crusher is built to order at our Grantham facility. Our machines are operating successfully in over 10 countries worldwide, processing everything from concrete blocks to concrete debris, proving their worth in the toughest conditions.
We provide after-sales support, with technical advice easily available whenever you need it.
Make concrete recycling work for your business: contact Red Rhino today
By investing in a British-built Red Rhino crusher, you’ll eliminate recurring waste disposal costs, reduce your reliance on purchased natural aggregates, and potentially create new revenue streams by selling surplus crushed material.
Get in touch with the Red Rhino team today for a free, no-obligation quote or to discuss your specific requirements. Contact us via our online contact form or email info@redrhinocrushers.net.
