Concrete – What Condition Can Concrete Be In And Be Recycled

basementconcreterecycling

I have a basement slab that I'm going to be breaking up and sending to a recycler. Here's what I would like to avoid:

  • The concrete being rejected at the site of recycling
  • The concrete causing some problems with the recycler's facilities

Both are admittedly unlikely, but I'm a worrier. In my basement I have carpet pads that I will be removing to access the slab, and those pads were attached to the concrete with what I assume was construction adhesive several decades ago. I'm wondering how clean I need to get the concrete to be able to get it accepted for recycling.

I asked the recycling facility this question, but didn't get an answer. Anyone know?

Best Answer

You're fine, as long as the amount of debris is low. A bit of carpet glue, no problem. Huge chunks of carpet, or mud, no good. Of course you can ask the recycling company for a contamination rate, but pretty much if it looks clean, it's good to go. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_recycling