Blockwalls supports the circular economy by manufacturing concrete blocks from waste stress, then using the blocks for segregation bays

Veolia is a global organisation employing 187,000 worldwide who are tasked with contributing directly to the sustainability performance of customers in the public and private sectors. In the UK Veolia provides a comprehensive range of waste, water and energy management services designed to build the circular economy and preserve scarce raw materials.

Block Walls is experimenting with a process to convert glass bottles into an aggregate that can be used to manufacture concrete blocks. The idea is to use recycled glass from Veolia depots, turn it into aggregate and manufacture concrete segregation blocks that can be used within Veolia plants. This saves the waste going to landfill, therefore assisting the circular economy. A win-win for Veolia and Block Walls.

The Challenge

As a responsible employer Veolia endeavours to protect and care for the welfare and development of their employees so required a sustainable, practical and safe solution for their waste storage bays at the Bidston Recycling Centre on the Wirral. With a twenty-year Waste Management and Recycling Contract worth £640 million for Merseyside and the Halton region alone. The solution requires a block that is capable to withstand a relentless hammering of the heavy-duty loaders that move waste materials from one area to another.

Block Walls support two of Veolia’s Risk Management Values, namely:
• Striving for outstanding health and safety performance in the work place.
• Identifying and limiting industrial and environmental on-site risks.

The Solution

Over 200 Builder blocks were delivered and installed in a LEGO style configuration saving valuable build time. Each block weighs over 1,000 KG and is made from eco-mix concrete consisting of 87% recycled materials. The interlocking design and overall weight of the blocks provide a robust and solid bay designed to take the constant impact and pressure exerted from the heavy plant.

From a health and safety perspective the Builder block bay has provided a solid and reliable solution, helping keep the site organised. Veolia Bidston’s Manager of Operations Stuart Gwilliam commented “The Block Wall solution has a solid, robust and practical design that will sustain the daily pounding of many tonnes of waste a day being unloaded, compacted and rotated and will last for years to come.” He added “The simple interlocking design meant the heavyweight Stackablocs could be installed quickly and easily, and form a sturdy U shaped bay to store separated household waste.”