Waste not, Want not, with Sustainable Recycling

What began as a simple search for vehicle parking has evolved into one of South Wales most forward-thinking recycling operations.

Founded in 2018 by Rob Morris, the Managing Director of RMG Groundworks Ltd, and the brains behind the Construction Hub Academy, RMR Sand and Aggregates has rapidly developed from a modest yard into a highly efficient business focused on processing quality recycled materials and sustainable construction practices.

From the outset, Rob was simply looking for around half an acre of land to park a dozen lorries on. During the search, he heard about a recycling centre that had come onto the market. At five acres, the site was far larger than he had originally intended to purchase, but not wanting to miss out on it, curiosity led him to visit the yard that same evening.

Despite having no previous background in recycling, Rob immediately recognised the site’s potential. Following a handshake agreement there and then, the deal was secured and the foundations of RMR Sand and Aggregates were laid.

From the very first day, progress moved quickly. Rob focused on tidying and reorganising the yard while learning about the recycling industry firsthand. It soon became clear that for the business to succeed long-term, the operation needed to trade consistently throughout the year rather than relying on seasonal demand. At the time, the primary material being produced was dry recycled soils, but Rob had far bigger ambitions for the business.

A major turning point came in 2021 during the Covid pandemic, when Rob travelled to Italy to visit global washing plant manufacturer Matec. Following the visit, RMR Sand and Aggregates invested £3.5 million into a state-of-the-art wash plant capable of processing up to 1,000 tonnes per day.

We took a guided tour with Rob around the walkways of the Matec AGGRETEC 150 which is described as a semi-mobile screening and washing unit. Rob was clearly very proud of this efficient set up, as he pointed out the multi deck washing screen, the fines recovery section and sand washing unit, as well as the various stockpile conveyors, whichever way you look at this set up, you cannot fail to be impressed by it.

This major investment has transformed the operation, significantly, increasing production capabilities while enabling the business to produce consistently high-quality recycled materials. The wash plant also positioned RMR Sand and Aggregates to meet growing demand for sustainable aggregate solutions within the regional construction industry.

Further improvements followed in 2023, when the entire recycling yard was concreted and a one-way traffic management system was introduced. Talking about those upgrades to the facility Rob said, “The changes we made dramatically improved our efficiency across the site, creating a safer, more organised working environment for everyone, while maximising our material handling and storage capacity”.

Today, RMR Sand and Aggregates operates a modern fleet of Volvo FMX lorries, all under five years old, alongside recent investments in two new 20-tonne class JCB 220XLC hydraulic excavators from regional dealers and partners of the Construction Hub Group, Holt JCB Ltd. The continued investment in modern transport and blue-chip machinery reflects the company’s commitment to reliability, efficiency and maintaining high operational standards.

Quality remains central to the company’s ethos. Rob stated that RMR Sand and Aggregates motto is straightforward: “If there are any quality issues with any materials, they are credited instantly and an

investigation will take place.” That customer-first approach has helped the business build a strong reputation for consistency and first-class levels of service.

During our tour of the facility, we we’re told and shown how the company now produces two grades of recycled sand along with single-sized chippings ranging from 10mm to 40mm. The quality of its recycled sand is suitable for concrete production, highlighting the significant advancements being made within the recycled aggregates sector.

Zara Dando Business Engagement Manager said, “RMR Sand and Aggregates also takes great pride in its role within the circular economy. The business regularly removes excavation and waste materials from construction sites, then processes them back into high-quality recycled aggregates, and in many cases returns the finished products back to the very same projects from which the waste material originated, which can only be a good thing for the environment in general”.

It is a process that not only reduces waste sent to landfill but also lowers the environmental impact of construction by reducing the demand for virgin aggregates and minimising transport requirements.

Another bonus of having the operation is that it allows Rob’s tippers to leave the yard in the morning with a load of stone or sand, tip at one of his projects and return to the yard with another load of material to be recycled. This not only minimises empty running, but also ensures deliveries are made on time and are correct.

From an unexpected property viewing in 2018 to a multi-million-pound recycling facility today, RMR Sand and Aggregates growth story demonstrates how vision, investment, and a willingness to adapt can rapidly transform a business within the modern construction and recycling industries.

More JCB Machines

Having completed our tour of the recycling yard, we headed out to see more examples of the groups JCB fleet in action on a nearby housing development site.

On the job the RMG Groundworks team were using one of the popular JCB 145XR compact radius 15-tonne class hydraulic excavators, fitted with a concrete pouring bucket to place the material into structured foundations using Pecafil formwork, with steel reinforcement in the footing. In less favourable ground conditions Pecafil helps to maintain a clean and measured trench and prevents any waste of concrete.

The JCB 145R is rapidly proving to be a best seller for JCB and is especially popular with the house development sites, due to their compact dimensions, very capable digging power and stability, in addition operators benefit from them having the same size cab as any other hydraulic excavator in the JCB range, something that in most other brands is often compromised.

Another JCB on site was a 2.5 tonne class 25 Z-1 which is a zero tailswing compact mini excavator, this machine was engaged in installing foul drainage around the house plots, and at the time of our visit was backfilling the trench.

It was clear to see that Rob Morris and his Construction Hub businesses have a great working relationship with Holt JCB Ltd and JCB in general, which I’m sure will continue to flourish in the future.