Heidelberg Materials UK has expanded its Agecroft recycling operation in Swinton, Manchester, with a new wash plant and rail siding.

The wash plant can process up to 450,000tpa of excavated waste, primarily soils from construction, demolition and industrial sites, to produce recycled aggregates. A drainage and water recovery system captures and recirculates almost 100 per cent of the water used.

Described by the company as the UK’s largest wash plant, the installation follows investment in the same type of equipment at its Bristol-based B&A Group site last year.

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The new rail siding receives primary aggregates from Heidelberg Materials’ Horton quarry in the Yorkshire Dales, enabling Agecroft to supply both primary and recycled materials to the Manchester market. The company says rail deliveries will reduce road vehicle movements and associated CO2 emissions.

James Whitelaw, managing director for aggregates, asphalt and recycling north, said the investment would help conserve natural resources and divert more material from landfill. The investment value was not disclosed.