In a significant move towards sustainability, the City of Raleigh has recycled 97 percent of the old police headquarters’ rubble to make way for the new Raleigh City Hall. This ambitious recycling effort included 2,739 tons of steel, concrete, and brick, marking a notable achievement in sustainable construction practices.
Brasfield and Gorrie, the project’s construction contractor, played a critical role in this process. They meticulously separated the steel and concrete from the rubble, transported the recyclable debris to specialized recycling sites, and ensured that the materials were repurposed efficiently.
The construction industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability, and recycling construction waste offers numerous benefits. It reduces landfill waste, conserves energy and resources, and provides cost-saving advantages for companies.
Recycling steel
Steel is a highly recyclable material, maintaining its strength through repeated recycling processes. More than 90 percent of steel used in construction projects is recycled. As an iron alloy, steel comprises carbon, iron, and tin, and it can be continuously recycled along with metals such as aluminum, copper, and brass.
Reusing steel beams, columns, and other structural pieces without the need for re-melting or processing further underscores its value. Scrap steel can be melted down and repurposed into new products, enhancing resource efficiency.
Recycling concrete
Concrete recycling involves breaking up concrete rubble from demolished structures, removing unwanted materials, and crushing the remaining mixture into different sizes for various applications. Recycled concrete finds use in a range of construction projects, from road gravel to new building materials.
Despite its slightly lower strength compared to traditional concrete, advancements in recycling processes have improved the quality of recycled concrete, making it a viable option for numerous structural applications.
The City of Raleigh is committed to a greener and more sustainable future. The new City Hall will not only incorporate recycled materials from the old building but will also feature numerous sustainability measures, achieving Silver LEED certification.
For more information about this project, visit the East Civic Tower Project page.
