Facts About Recycling Concrete

Urbanite

• The simplest way to repurpose old, broken concrete is to use it like stone. Popularly called "urbanite," broken pieces of concrete make good walkways, firepits, flower beds and patios. This material can be set in mortar or simply stacked, and is non-toxic and long-lasting.

Large-Scale Recycling

• In addition to simple reuse at home, concrete also works for large-scale recycling. Crushed concrete works as aggregate in new concrete and other structural materials. It can be used in roads and new buildings.Planners for the 2012 Olympic Games in London intend to use recycled concrete, according to the Concrete Network.

Steel Removal

• Recycling concrete from roads and large structures often means taking reinforcing steel out of the material. Most current concrete recycling programs still rely on hand labor to remove mesh and rebar from the concrete. This steel can then be recycled conventionally.