Minister paves the way for recycled asphalt

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson today launched a new guide for the construction industry on how to turn waste into a valuable resource.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Quarry Products Association Northern Ireland (QPANI) have developed the guidance to promote the sustainable reuse of asphalt road planings (tarmac) and provide clarification to the producers and users of such materials.

The Minister said: “I welcome the development of this practical guidance for the construction industry which provides businesses with a real opportunity to turn waste into a valuable resource.

“The advice includes how industry can recover asphalt road planings which will support the reuse of recycled aggregates and divert waste asphalt from landfill.

“My Department is committed to delivering better regulation for business and the environment. Through the Better Regulation programme, NIEA is working to provide clear and streamlined regulation.

“I would strongly urge any business involved in the aggregate sector to adapt the practices outlined.”

The document provides guidance on:

· Establishing compliance to a recognised specification

· Appropriate uses for the recycled aggregate

· Legal compliance

· Quality control records relating to the processing of waste asphalt.

Compliance with the guidance is likely to result in the material being considered a product rather than waste.

Whilst producers and users are not obliged to comply with the guidance, if they do not, the processed material will continue to be classed as waste and continue to be subject to waste regulatory controls.

A supplementary information leaflet “NIEA Facts: Fully recovered asphalt road planings” has also been produced which provides an overview for farmers who wish to reuse asphalt road planings.

NIEA published its Better Regulation Programme “Better Regulation for a Better Environment” in March 2008 and a number of simplification initiatives are underway, such as the development of quality protocols for well managed materials, an online waste facility directory and a pilot system for online applications.

Notes To Editors:

1 Former Environment Minister Arlene Foster set up a Better Regulation Board in May 2008 involving senior officials and representatives from the business and environment sectors to discuss regulatory issues and ways to improve the environmental performance of Northern Ireland businesses.

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