Concrete, especially on larger projects, can be very expensive. One alternative that will allow you to stretch your concrete further is with recycled concrete aggregates. However, it is not as simple as purchasing recycled concrete. Here are some of the pros and cons of using recycled concrete.
Pros:
• Cost: The first obvious benefit of using recycled concrete is the reduced price. Since you are using previously recycled materials, they should be cheaper to purchase in bulk.
• Environmentally Friendly: Using materials that already exist in your concrete can reduce the amount of concrete that is created in total. Concrete releases a lot of greenhouse gases as it is, so reducing carbon emissions in addition to recycling other materials is great for the environment.
• Strength: Different types of materials can be used in recycled concrete, all with different properties. However, recycled concrete will be comparably strong and some materials may have advantages over standard concrete.
Cons:
• That Concrete Look: Concrete has a very particular look to it, and recycled concrete may not capture that. Different materials will add different looks to concrete, and the final product will have bits and pieces of recycled material dispersed throughout like a sedimentary rock. These flecks may even be colorful if plastic is used, which may not fit every project’s aesthetic.
• Suppliers: There may not be an active market for commercially available recycled concrete. There are many companies that will specialize in recycled concrete, but there are some markets built around individual persons selling smaller amounts.
While recycled concrete has many benefits, there are always some cons that go with it. Make sure to consider all of the pros and cons when considering recycled concrete for a project.
