New guidance for the road construction industry aims to improve recycling and clear up confusion says Scotland's environment watchdog.

The document, produced by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and The Quarry Products Association Scotland (QPA) clarifies the application of Waste Management Licensing Regulations to the milling and processing of road asphalt.

The guidance aims to make the industry more resource efficient by providing clarity on waste classifications relating to asphalt road planings and their reuse. By promoting sustainable reuse as an aggregate product, and by clarifying waste legislation, SEPA and the QPA hopes to see significant environmental and financial benefit from an increase in asphalt recycling.

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It is expected that approximately 500,000 tonnes of asphalt road planings could be recycled each year. This would provide a boost to the environment through reduced resource dependence alongside a reduced financial burden for firms.

James Shannon from SEPA said: "This guidance recognises the range of benefits that can be achieved by taking a more sustainable approach to asphalt processing and recycling. By providing a clear methodology that produces a product rather than a waste, it means that the further use of materials does not require the same regulatory control, possibly saving firms £783 per site."

John Sheridan, Regional Director of QPA Scotland, commented: "Through an on-going collaborative effort the QPA and SEPA believe the guidance produced is clear and practical and of considerable benefit not just to the industry in promoting one of our Core Values in the use of recycled aggregates, but also to the country at large."

(GK/JM)