Landscapers Using Recycled Products

Concerns about sustainability appear to be translating into action, with research showing that 93% of landscapers use recycled products as often as they can.

These promising findings were made by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) at the Saltex 2006 exhibition, an event aimed at the grounds care, sports amenities, landscaping and estate management sectors. In speaking to 400 industry professionals, WRAP found that 97% of landscapers rate issues of sustainability as a top concern and that compost made from recycled garden material and mulch/surfacing made from recycled wood are the most frequently used recycled products. While these are used by over 50% of landscapers across the country, other products made from recycled glass, tyres, plastic and aggregates are also all used when appropriate.

WRAP organics marketing manager Maggie Newton said: “Just five years ago, asking landscapers about the use of recycled products would probably have led to a lot of questions and confused looks. Now almost 95% of the industry is using these products every day. That is real progress.” However, a number of reservations about the use of recycled products still remain.

Those surveyed at the Windsor Racecourse event were asked about the barriers to use and despite more recycled products being available than ever before, just over half did say they had occasional problems with finding a local source of materials.

Another concern was that a third of respondents had reservations over the cost of recycled products.