Maasmechelen – Grobelco has launched a new washing facility in August 2025, enabling the recycling of 90% of contaminated construction sand into reusable material. Spokesperson Luc Didden emphasized its importance for sustainability, while Flemish Minister Jo Brons heralded the initiative as a significant development for the region, reports 24brussels.
The washing facility represents a major advancement for Grobelco, a company specializing in roadworks, earthworks, demolition, and recycling. This innovation allows the company to tackle the persistent issue of contaminated construction waste that traditional sorting methods fail to address.
Despite the sorting process, small granules often remain contaminated and unusable. The newly installed machine effectively cleans these granules, transforming them into high-grade materials that can substitute for primary raw materials. Didden noted that this facility allows for the recovery of waste that was once deemed unusable.
Benefits of Grobelco’s Facility for Construction Waste Recycling
Didden explained the critical role of the facility in addressing contaminated residual sand, which has become increasingly problematic.
“There is more and more of that contaminated residual sand that is of little use. That problem is getting worse. Thanks to this installation, we can turn 90% of it back into real sand,”
he stated.
Minister Brons lauded the facility and described it as a point of pride for Belgium.
“This washing facility is something we can be proud of in our country. Circularity requirements are becoming increasingly strict, and it is important that our companies actively participate in this transition,”
he remarked.
“It’s important that we reuse as many raw materials as possible,”
noted Brons.
“Ultimately, raw materials are finite, so reuse is the key.”
With over 30 years in the construction sector, Grobelco has navigated challenges presented by contaminated residual sand from construction waste, a growing concern exacerbated by traditional sorting methods that fail to efficiently recover this material. The escalating demand for natural sand has prompted Belgium and the EU to implement stricter regulations regarding circularity and recycling in construction projects in 2024. Grobelco’s newly inaugurated washing facility directly addresses these regulatory challenges and aims to contribute significantly to circular economy goals.
