Environmental Controls
What is concrete slurry waste?
Concrete slurry waste is the bi-product generated when performing concrete cutting. It is the combination of the concrete that is separated during the concrete sawing and drilling process which combines with the water used during the concrete cutting process. This wet cutting technique results in the generation of a grey liquid substance which is referred to as concrete slurry waste.
How is concrete slurry waste controlled?
Various methods are used to control and collect concrete slurry waste including portable HEPA filter wet vacuums to large dedicated slurry tankers capable of collecting up to 1000 litres of waste. These devices use vacuum systems to suck up the slurry waste into a holding tank of differing size. In most cases, the concrete slurry waste is then transported back to our factory for recycling.
It is vital that the correct collection and containment system is developed and put in place for each and every concrete cutting job. Concrete slurry put simply cannot be allowed to flow into drains or waterways. We work with our clients to implement the right solution to prevent environmental issues.
Recycling of concrete slurry waste
The concrete slurry waste received at our factory is actually recycled with the water extracted from the slurry via use of recycling systems and the remaining concrete (post separation of water) placed into a skip bin and collected by a concrete recycler. The waste water is reused for further cutting or to water the lawn and other vegetation at our factory. Nothing is disposed of to land fill.
Proven system ISO 14001 accredited
We take our environmental responsibilities vary serious. The control of crystalline silica particles, the correct collection, recycling and disposal of concrete slurry, has led us to achieve ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System certification. Our polices and procedures are audited for re-certification by an external third party every 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Concrete cutting, i.e. core drilling along with the various concrete sawing, utilises water during the cutting process as a lubricant between the cutting device and the material being cut to prevent overheating whilst at the same time prevents the particles that are dislodged during the cutting process from becoming airborne, i.e. preventing dust from entering the atmosphere. The prevention of dust is a vital part of concrete cutting in that most materials that are being cut are likely to contain crystalline silica particles.
