What is recycled sand and where is it used?

Written by Nick Towens

Construction and demolition sites generate enormous volumes of waste, something that we know is hard to prevent. Although it may not be immediately obvious, a lot of construction waste has real, practical value if handled correctly.

Recycled sand is one of the most useful by-products of that process. Produced by washing, screening and grading excavated subsoils and crushed rubble, it is a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to virgin sand quarried from natural reserves.

At Towens, we process over a million tonnes of material annually across our facilities in Somerset and the South West, and recycled sand is one of the quality products that comes out the other side.

So… what is recycled sand, and how is it made?

Recycled sand is produced by processing construction waste, excavated subsoil, demolition rubble and other inert materials through a series of washing and separation stages. The result is a clean, graded product that meets the same technical standards as naturally quarried alternatives.

Here is how our sand recycling process works:

• Mechanical separation: Screening decks and crushers break down materials and separate different particle sizes, dividing sands from stones and gravel
• Contaminant scrubbing: Attrition cells scrub each grain clean, removing oils, organic matter and residues
• Purification: Advanced washing systems flush out fine silts, while magnets and density separators remove metals, plastics and lightweight debris
• Quality checks: Regular physical and chemical testing ensure the finished product is inert, non-toxic and compliant with UK building regulations

As an industry, there’s a real need for us to be responsible with our waste, as climate change becomes a real concern. It’s also because, as per Waste Direct, the construction industry produces around 62% of the UK’s waste, which is inevitable given the scale and necessity of the projects we work on day in day out.

Therefore, finding productive uses for these materials, rather than just sending them to landfill, is one of the most impactful steps we can take.

Where is recycled sand typically used?

Recycled sand is a versatile construction material suited to a wide range of applications across civil engineering, landscaping and general construction. Here are a few popular ways they get utilised.

Drainage and utility trenches

Our 2-4mm fill sand is ideal for pipe bedding and trench backfilling, providing the stability and drainage performance needed around utility infrastructure.

Concrete production, mortars and paving

Fine sand graded at 0-2mm performs well in concrete mixes, mortar mixing, bricklaying and block laying, meeting BS EN 12620 requirements.

Block paving, screeds and landscaping

Our 0-4mm grit sand (sharp sand) is the go-to choice for block paving bedding, screeds, landscaping bases and artificial lawn installations where strength and compaction matter.

What are the benefits of using recycled sand?

Better for the environment

Sand recycling reduces pressure on finite natural resources and cuts the carbon emissions linked to quarrying and long-distance transport, both significant contributors to the environmental impact of construction.

Every tonne of recycled sand used is a tonne diverted from landfill and one less tonne of natural sand extracted, great for supporting sustainability goals.

Cost savings

Recycled sand is typically more competitively priced than virgin quarried alternatives. For projects requiring significant volumes, those savings add up, particularly if you’re able to collect these materials yourself from any of our Somerset sites, including at Weston-super-Mare or Westonzoyland.

Consistent, tested quality

All of our sand products undergo monthly particle size distribution analysis and rigorous batch testing, meeting current British and European standards. You can specify recycled sand with the same confidence as any primary aggregate.

Is recycled sand available in Somerset?

Yes, we supply several grades of recycled sand from our facilities across Somerset and the South West.

0-2mm fine sand

Small particles up to 2mm. Certified to BS EN 12620. Best used for mortar, bricklaying, block laying and paving.

2-4mm fill sand

Coarser particles between 2mm and 4mm. Complies with BS EN 13232. Best used for pipe bedding, trench backfilling and drainage bedding layers.

0-4mm grit sand

A coarse sharp sand from 0 to 4mm. Best used for block paving, screeds, landscaping bases and artificial lawn installations.

How do I order recycled sand in Somerset?

You can collect directly from our Westonzoyland site, either loose-loaded or in dumpy bags. We also offer delivery across Somerset and the South West.

Who are Towens?

Towens is a family-owned recycling, waste management and haulage business based in Weston-super-Mare, with depots across Somerset. With over 25 years of experience, we handle more than a million tonnes of material each year, recycling or reusing 92% of everything that comes through our facilities.

Alongside recycled sand and aggregates, we offer skip hire, tipper and grab hire, plant hire, soil supply and more, working with everyone from major infrastructure contractors to local builders and homeowners.

To discuss your requirements, call us on 01934 424242, email skips@towens.co.uk or fill out our online enquiry form.