5 benefits of a flexible washing system for contaminated soils

1. What types of contaminated soils can CDE equipment process and recycle?

CDE’s equipment can process a range of soils and streams of construction, demolition and excavated material that are contaminated with hydrocarbons, heavy metals, oils and even per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with high reliability in the reduction of these harmful contaminants. The system can take both dry and wet feeds from hydro-vac trucks if they are working on a contaminated site.

CDE’s technology can handle a range of clean or contaminated construction waste materials, which can be blended and processed together.

2. How do the process and technology recycle contaminated soils?

Depending on the contamination present, CDE’s technologies can use mechanical, chemical and biological processes for washing soils to remove contamination and create clean, valuable aggregates and sands.

For soluble contamination, CDE can deploy tertiary water treatment to extract contaminants from water, and for insoluble, the system can isolate these contaminants in outputs, such as the filter cake.

Each solution is unique depending on the customer’s requirements. The washing phase can include rinsing, scrubbing/attrition, density separation, water treatment and sludge management.

3. Can contaminated soils be transformed into in-spec sand and aggregates, and what are their final applications?

Yes, contaminated soils can be washed to produce high-quality construction aggregates and sand for resale or reuse. The systems can be set up to produce output products such as concrete sands that conform to local specifications. Screen apertures and classification systems also can be changed to produce other products, and it’s very easy to do.

These materials can be highly variable, so it is important that the system can handle a range of input criteria and still adapt to meet the specification of the output products.

4. What’s an example of a recent project using this CDE technology?

Our most recently commissioned site at Calgary Aggregate Recycling in Alberta, Canada, is using CDE’s washing technology. This system has been designed to handle up to 250 tons per hour of soil, resulting in 510,000 tons of soil being diverted from landfills in Alberta and recycled into various construction aggregates used annually in Calgary. We have numerous customers across North America using the same technology, including Posillico Materials LLC, based in Long Island, New York, which has been processing contaminated soils into saleable sand and aggregates for the past five years.

5. Why should companies consider this technology for their operations?

Implementing this technology presents a unique opportunity to not only boost profitability but also contribute to environmental sustainability. By efficiently reclaiming valuable materials from waste streams, your company can generate an additional revenue stream while simultaneously reducing the costs associated with waste disposal and raw material procurement. This dual financial benefit can significantly enhance your bottom line and provide a competitive advantage.

Companies are under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint. Our material recycling system aligns seamlessly with these goals by minimizing waste and reducing the need for virgin resources. By diverting waste from landfill, your company can demonstrate a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing your brand reputation and attracting environmentally conscious consumers.