The Complete Guide to Concrete Recycling

Understanding Concrete Recycling

Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in construction, but did you know it can be 100% recycled? Rather than allowing old concrete from demolitions, sidewalks, and infrastructure projects to clog up landfills, it can be crushed, processed, and reused for new construction and landscaping projects.

At Orlando Rock Recycling, we specialize in efficient, eco-friendly recycling, providing high-quality recycled aggregates while reducing environmental impact. Below, we break down the step-by-step process of how we transform waste concrete into valuable, reusable materials.

Step 1: Collection and Transport

The first step in the concrete recycling process is the collection of waste concrete from various sources, including:

Demolition sites (buildings, driveways, sidewalks, bridges)
Road construction projects
Contractors and construction companies disposing of old materials

Once collected, the concrete is transported to our recycling facility, where it undergoes sorting and preparation for processing.

Step 2: Initial Inspection and Sorting

Upon arrival at our facility, all incoming concrete is carefully inspected to ensure it meets our standards for recycling. Contaminants such as:

Rebar, metal reinforcements
Wood, plastic, or other debris
Hazardous materials

…are refused immediately. We do not process or remove contaminants; only clean, uncontaminated concrete is accepted to maintain high-quality recycled materials.

Step 3: Primary Crushing

After sorting, the concrete is fed into a jaw pulverizer. This powerful machine breaks large chunks of concrete into smaller, more manageable pieces.

At this stage:

Large slabs are broken down into smaller rocks.
Material is processed to achieve consistent sizing for various applications.
Dust suppression measures are applied to reduce airborne particles during crushing.

Step 4: Secondary Crushing and Screening

The crushed concrete is then processed further to achieve the desired aggregate size. Using secondary crushers and screening equipment, the material is refined into:

Coarse aggregates #4 Rock (for road base, drainage, and erosion control)
Fine aggregates #57 Rock (used in new concrete mixes and as a sand replacement)
Road base (a strong, cost-effective alternative for driveways, walkways, and foundations)

Our facility ensures quality control throughout the process, removing dust and fine particles to create high-performance recycled aggregates.

Step 5: Quality Testing and Certification

Before recycled concrete materials can be sold and used in construction, they undergo rigorous testing and grading to ensure they meet industry standards. Key tests include:

Strength and durability testing
Particle size distribution analysis
Moisture content evaluation

These tests guarantee that the recycled aggregates are as strong and reliable as virgin materials, ensuring safe and effective use in construction projects.

Step 6: Reusing Recycled Concrete Aggregates

Once processed, our high-quality recycled aggregates are ready to be used in a variety of construction and landscaping applications, such as:

Road base and foundation material
Driveways, parking lots, and walkways
Backfill for retaining walls and drainage projects
Landscaping rock and decorative gravel
New concrete production (as part of a sustainable concrete mix)

By choosing recycled aggregates, builders and homeowners can save money, reduce environmental impact, and support sustainable construction practices.