Steel slag can be used to create valuable aggregates. These can be used in construction, for example as hardcore and road surfaces.
Through the Waste Protocols Project we have gathered evidence on the standards steel slag meets, markets it may be able to exploit, and most importantly any potential impacts on human health and the environment. The aim is to establish whether it can be considered to be fully recovered and used as a quality aggregate. We believe this process could help ensure that almost 470,000 tonnes of slag ash is used rather than sent to landfill each year.
What are the benefits?
In addition to diverting waste away from landfill, industry-wide compliance with a quality protocol could save over 470,000 tonnes of virgin raw material each year. We calculate it could also save over 144,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions annually.
It could save businesses over £7.7 million each year, largely due to landfill charges, and could create markets worth over £3.5 million a year.
The current status
A technical advisory group (TAG) has been established which is currently pooling evidence to demonstrate end-of-waste criteria can be met. We are working closely with industry to obtain additional data to help inform this process.
Get involved
If you are a producer or processor of steel slag or a potential end user of aggregate recyclates you can submit your details to wasteprotocols@environment-agency.gov.uk and we will notify you when the documents are published and/or a quality protocol goes to UK consultation.
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More information
If you would like further help, please email wasteprotocols@environment-agency.gov.uk
