Using road planings for sustainable construction projects

Written by Nick Towens

Sustainability is now a key priority when it comes to construction projects, but it’s sometimes difficult to combine environmentally conscious practices with feasibility and cost-savings.

One way you can tick all of these boxes for your next project is by utilising road planings. Also known as tarmac planings or road scalpings, these recycled materials are created from the surface layer of tarmac removed during road maintenance.

They create a durable surface, meaning easy access for vehicles and people on passageways such as farm tracks, car parks, hauling roads, accessways, garden paths, etc.

At Towens, we provide a high-quality selection of road planings that are durable, versatile and weather resistant, making them suitable for all of the purposes mentioned above, and so many more. By reusing what would otherwise go to landfill, road planings also support sustainable construction practices, helping you reduce environmental impact without compromising on performance.

Introducing road planings

Road planings are produced through our cold milling machine that removes the upper layer of tarmac. This material, also referred to as road scrapings, scalpings, or asphalt planings, can then be processed into a reusable recycled aggregate.

Using road planings reduces the reliance on virgin raw material and gravel, providing a cost-effective alternative aggregate for construction projects. At Towens, we handle the production and delivery of road planings with great care, ensuring consistent quality and compliance with waste exemptions and environmental regulations.

What are the benefits of using road planings?

Incorporating road planings into your projects offers several tangible benefits. Here’s how they can help you build smarter and more sustainably.

Sustainability

Road planings make the most of a natural resource that would otherwise go to landfill. By choosing our recycled aggregate, you contribute to the circular economy, helping local authorities and contractors reduce carbon footprints and environmental impact.

Cost-effectiveness

Road planings offer a practical, budget-friendly alternative to mainland aggregates and tarmac. Using planings can significantly lower material costs for large construction projects without sacrificing durability or performance.

Durability

Our road planings produce a solid surface suitable for rigid vehicles, car parks, farm tracks, and MOT type testing areas. The tarmac characteristics and level surface ensure a strong, long-lasting exterior that withstands heavy use from large machinery and variable weather conditions.

Versatility

Road planings are suitable for a variety of purposes, including:

• footpaths and bridleways
• car parks and patios
• farm tracks and access roads
• accessways on-site
• drainage trenches and backfill
• various construction projects requiring chipping or unscreened planings

Efficiency

With Towens, road planings are ready to use, supplied loose or in dumpy bags, and delivered directly to your site via our fleet of 8-wheel tippers and skip lorries. Alternatively, you cack bring your own vehicle to our site in Somerset and pick it up yourself.

This makes material handling simple, whether you’re a contractor, landscaper, or utility provider.

Road planings from Towens

At Towens, we focus on providing high-quality recycled materials that meet professional standards while supporting sustainable construction. Our road planings offering includes:

How it’s produced

Road planings are generated using advanced cold milling machines that carefully remove the surface layer of tarmac. Once collected, we process the material at our facilities in Westonzoyland with great care, producing a consistent, reliable recycled aggregate. This approach ensures that 92% of all waste we handle is recycled, reused, or recovered.

Road planings are incredibly versatile, effective for both commercial and domestic projects. This versatility makes road planings an effective choice for contractors, builders, landscapers, and homeowners seeking sustainable construction solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are road planings suitable for heavy traffic areas?

Yes. Road planings form a durable surface that withstands constant use by rigid vehicles and heavy machinery, making them ideal for car parks, farm tracks, and other high-traffic applications.

Can I collect road planings myself?

Absolutely. You can bring your vehicle to our Westonzoyland site and collect them in a dumpy bag or your own service vehicle. Material can also be delivered loose to your site.

Do road planings comply with waste exemptions?

Yes. Towens ensures all road planings are handled under suitable waste exemptions, meeting UK environmental regulations and supporting sustainable construction practices.

Who are Towens?

Towens is a family-owned recycling, waste management, haulage, and environmental services business based in Weston-super-Mare. For over 30 years, we have focused on reducing landfill by recycling or reusing over 90% of the waste we process.

We provide:

• recycled aggregates, soils, and road planings
• tipper and grab hire
• plant hire, civils, and demolition services
• skips and haulage services

Our modern fleet, skilled team, and local depots allow us to deliver materials efficiently while maintaining high sustainability standards.

For further information or to order road planings, call us on 01934 424242 or email skips@towens.co.uk.