Local authorities are major construction clients, particularly in areas such as highways, and hence are able to exert a considerable influence on the use of construction materials in their area. They are also responsible for a number of related activities, such as waste management and planning, that can have a significant effect on the extent to which recycling of all kinds takes place. This report describes the experience of Hampshire County Council, and shows how a local authority that is committed to sustainability and prepared to take action to implement its principles can achieve considerable success in maximising the use of recycled and secondary aggregates. The current and potential use of recycled and secondary aggregates in Hampshire and the adjacent urban areas of Southampton and Portsmouth are described and targets are developed for 2010 and 2020. These include targets for materials used in high value applications such as asphalt and concrete as well as for total use of recycled and secondary aggregates. The actions that are necessary to achieve the targets are discussed, and six case studies are presented to illustrate how recycled and secondary aggregates can be used efficiently and effectively in a range of applications. The experience of Hampshire can be applied to other local authorities and construction clients in general. A range of issues that were highlighted in a 2001 TRL report, 'Recycling in transport infrastructure', are reviewed in the light of the experience of Hampshire and brought up to date. There has been considerable progress on a number of issues, but some potential barriers remain. (Author/publisher)
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