March 28, 2006. Highways Agency. The Highways Agency is now at the cutting edge of recycling, after using new recycled glass materials to make 'sand', to improve drainage on verges of the M3 between Junctions 3 and 4.
20 million wine bottles turned in to 10,000 tonnes of glass sand, has been used on a 3.5km (just over two mile) stretch of the M3 to replace three metre deep filter drains. The sand, which is green in colour, was chosen for its free draining properties and good permeability.
The bottles, which were sourced from local authorities, licensed premises and government sponsored kerb-side collection schemes, would otherwise have ended up in landfill sites.
The reclaimed bottles are crushed and washed to remove corks and labels and turned in to green sand, which conforms to British Safety Standards ensuring that it is safe to handle. The scheme is part of the Highways Agency's commitment to provide environmentally protective solutions in the planning of its work.
Highways Agency spokesperson, Angela Koenig said: "The Highways Agency is continually looking for ways to use recycled materials in our projects and we are delighted to have been able to make use of this groundbreaking initiative and this vast amount of recycled glass. It has allowed for a more effective drainage system which will help to deliver a safer road to motorists, while also using the latest environmentally friendly technology."
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