Recycling Wastes for Structural Applications

Solid wastes of all types can be considered as man-made ore and as such should be considered for recycling back into the economy. The civil engineering profession can make a major contribution in this area by using products made from recycled wastes in its construction projects. Mineral and mining wastes can be made into brick, pipe, panels, and various types of lightweight building panels and aggregates. Sludges obtained by neutralizing industrial wastes can be made into wallboard, sheeting, laminated boards, and various types of tiles. Incineration of municipal wastes can be used for producing steam and power while the residues can be separated into metal and nonmetal fractions for fabrication into structural products such as metal shapes, brick, block, pipe, and aggregates.