Although the construction industry is the second largest user of polymers, the majority of these materials do not become available for recycling for several decades. PVC is by far the most commonly used polymer and accounts for approximately 60% of all plastics used, followed by HDPE. As a significant volume of both these products are buried below ground during construction, it is unlikely that they will be removed for recycling at the end of their life as the cost of recovery would outweigh their market value.

As with other sectors, waste plastic packaging used in the construction industry offers the greatest opportunity to recover polymers suitable for recycling, with polyethylene film (PE) being the single largest source of plastic available at the construction stage. PVC and PVC off-cuts can also be successfully recycled at the construction stage provided they are segregated.

To ensure successful segregation of plastic film and PVC, Emerald Isle Recycle can provide construction customers with Solway Recycling bins and liners. This system offers the construction company an opportunity to recycle part of their construction waste without the need to invest in baling equipment or the provision of an electrical supply to the baler.

Recycled Plastic Products
The construction industry uses a large volume of recycled products. Examples include HDPE in drainage pipes, PVC in window profiles and LDPE in damp proof membrane.

Emerald Isle Recycle also supplies both rubble sacks and bin liners to the construction industry for site clearance, manufactured from recycled PE film.

For further information on the services provided to the construction sector in Ireland please contact Emerald Isle Recycle via the contact page.