Scott Bros cleans up with ‘world-first’ wash plant

A family-run recycling firm says it has introduced a “world-first” waste management venture.

Scott Bros, based in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, has upgraded its £6 million wash plant to operate entirely using recycled water.

The urban quarry processes up to 300 tonnes of material per hour, recovering aggregates from construction waste that would otherwise go to landfill.

Bosses say the upgrade involves the installation of ultra-fine filters that eliminate the need for mains water, except in extreme conditions. 

They add Scott Bros is also developing further sustainability initiatives using a clay by-product from the wash process.

Peter Scott, director, said: “To the best of our knowledge, this is the first wash plant in the world to run entirely on recycled water.

“Water is an increasingly precious resource, and by harvesting rainwater and recycling every drop on site, we’re setting a new standard for sustainable aggregate production.”

Backed by Innovate UK and Teesside University, Scott Bros has installed a £1 million low-carbon concrete plant and is trialling bricks made from the same material, with promising results for both emissions reduction and carbon capture potential across the North East.

Fellow director Bob Borthwick added: “This is what the circular economy should look like; local businesses creating practical, scalable solutions that deliver environmental, economic and social benefits. 

“We’re proud to be leading the way from Teesside.”

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