Concrete and washout water are two of the most common types of waste generated on construction sites. Washout water is the water that is used to clean concrete tools and equipment, and it can contain a variety of pollutants, including cement, sand, and other debris. Concrete is a durable material that is used in a wide variety of construction projects, but it can also be a significant source of pollution if it is not disposed of properly.
One of the best ways to manage concrete and washout water is to recycle it. Concrete washout recycling can be done in a number of ways, but the most common method is to crush the hardened concrete and reuse it as aggregate in new concrete mixes. Concrete washout water can also be treated and reused in concrete mixes, but this process is more complex and expensive.
There are a number of benefits to recycling this washout water:
If you are interested in recycling, there are a few things you can do:
Filter presses are a very effective way to treat concrete and washout water. They can produce a high-quality filtrate that can be reused or discharged. The solids produced by the filter press are also relatively dry, making them easy to dispose of or recycle. ChemREADY partners with Matec to provide high-quality filter presses. For how they work, see what a filter press is and how it works.
Here are some of the benefits of using filter presses:
Matec filter presses supplied by ChemREADY produce clean filtrate and stackable solids — making concrete washout recycling simple, efficient, and cost-effective.
If you are unable to recycle, there are a few other options for disposing of it:
| Option | What to know |
|---|---|
| Landfill | This is not the most environmentally friendly option, and it may be expensive. |
| Sanitary sewer | This is only allowed in some areas, and you may need to obtain a permit from the local sewer authority. |
| On-site | This is only allowed if you have a permit from the local environmental agency. |
The best way to manage concrete and washout water is to recycle it, and Matec filter presses are an effective way to do it. It is important to choose the option that is most appropriate for your situation and that complies with all applicable laws and regulations. See ChemREADY’s concrete washout water management for treatment options.
Washout water is the water that is used to clean concrete tools and equipment, and it can contain a variety of pollutants, including cement, sand, and other debris.
Yes. The most common method is to crush the hardened concrete and reuse it as aggregate in new concrete mixes. Concrete washout water can also be treated and reused in concrete mixes, but this process is more complex and expensive.
Recycling concrete washout reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserves natural resources such as sand and gravel, and can save money on construction costs.
Filter presses produce a high-quality filtrate that can be reused or discharged, and relatively dry solids that are easy to dispose of or recycle. They help conserve water, prevent cementitious solids from being discharged to sewers or waterways, and save money on water and disposal costs.
Disposing of concrete washout in a sanitary sewer is only allowed in some areas, and you may need to obtain a permit from the local sewer authority. On-site disposal is only allowed if you have a permit from the local environmental agency.
Estimate what hauling and disposing of washout is costing you now, and what recovering that water with a filter press would save.
A ChemREADY dewatering specialist can look at your washout volumes and solids and recommend a system to treat, recycle, or safely discharge it.
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Technically reviewed by the ChemREADY dewatering team.