The UK construction industry remains one of the largest contributors to national waste streams. The sector generates tens of millions of tonnes of waste annually, offering opportunities for material recycling and the UK economy. This report summarises current data on the state of construction waste in the UK and the growing role of recycled aggregates in British infrastructure. Here is our 2026 industry statistics report.
When looking at the state of construction waste in the UK, it’s important to take into consideration a number of things, including the recycling and recovery rates, recycled aggregates production and the impact of construction waste on landfill. Let’s look into it.
Before dissecting more specific areas of the state of construction waste in the UK, let’s explore just how much waste the construction sector actually generates across the UK.
Official UK government statistics indicate that in 2020, the UK generated approximately 59.4 million tonnes of non-hazardous construction and demolition (C&D) waste, of which 55.0 million tonnes were recovered.
The construction sector continues to generate large volumes of waste and remains a focus of recycling activity.
Just because there is so much construction waste doesn’t mean that it is massively negative. There is a large majority of the construction waste in the UK that is recycled and recovered for other purposes within the sector and beyond.
Data from Defra shows that non-hazardous C&D waste has a historically high recovery rate. In 2022, 59.4 million tonnes were recovered from 63.0 million tonnes generated in England.
Over 90% of construction waste is recovered and reclaimed, often used as aggregate.
Industry reporting from the Mineral Products Association reveals that recycled aggregates reached a record high of 73.5 million tonnes, accounting for over 30% of Britain’s total aggregate use.
This marks a significant level of material recovery and reuse, among the highest reported in major European economies.
As we already know, landfills are becoming inundated with waste generated throughout the UK, and the construction sector is contributing to this.
The UK construction sector generates approximately 62% of the country’s waste, with around 32% of all landfill waste originating from construction activities.
Although high recovery rates have reduced landfill volumes, construction still contributes millions of tonnes of waste to landfills yearly.
So, where do we see the state of construction waste in the UK going in the future?
The UK’s construction sector generates significant waste volumes, but recovery and recycling performance, especially for non-hazardous C&D waste, is robust across the UK.
At SRC Group, we are no strangers to the state of construction waste in the UK, and we work tirelessly to do our part for the circular economy and the sustainability of the nation.
There are multiple ways to bring the circular economy to life in the construction industry, and at SRC Group, we continuously work towards improving this and the sustainability of the sector.
If you want to discuss our high-quality construction materials, sustainable waste solutions and contracting services, or have a chat about the latest on construction waste in the UK, reach out to a member of the team today.
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