Recycled Roads - Overview of the Guide

Recycling and the efficient use of materials are increasingly important in the delivery of local authority services. Specifying requirements for the use of recycled content in a roads or highways contract helps to meet corporate objectives such as sustainability, procurement good practice, Best Value and recycling of waste.

Market research in 2005 has shown that, while around half of local authorities allow and use recycled materials in highways projects, only some 10% set requirements that actively encourage contractors to maximise use and seek the associated cost savings. Clearly there is potential for many authorities to encourage and drive change through the procurement process.

WRAP has produced a step-by-step guide to local authority procurement which presents a model approach that will ensure that recycling and reuse of road materials is embedded in all highways contracts and schemes.  This approach involves adopting best practice at key decision-making points in the procurement process.  The actions that need to be taken are detailed in nine Guidance Notes.

The guide is aimed at senior officers, highways budget-holders, procurement officers and highways engineers – plus their consultants and contractors. The guidance covers the procurement process, key approaches for specifying recycled content, and in-depth case studies.

Navigate the guide by using the Model Approach or by finding out who needs to take action.  Alternatively download the complete Guide.

The following organisations endorse this guidance and the messages contained within it: