How Kienstra Produces Recycled Base and Fill Material

Kienstra works to make responsible use of the materials involved in producing and delivering ready mix concrete. As part of that commitment, unused concrete is recovered, separated and processed into clean material that can be used as base rock or fill.

This process helps reduce material waste, reuse water and extend the useful life of the natural resources that go into concrete production.

Watch the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at how Kienstra produces recycled base and fill material.

Recovering Unused Concrete

After each load, Kienstra’s ready mix trucks are thoroughly washed using a four-pit recovery system. Any unused concrete remaining in the truck is rinsed out and directed into the recovery process rather than simply being discarded.

The system allows Kienstra to collect leftover concrete material while preparing each truck for its next load.

A Four-Pit Separation System

As the trucks are washed, concrete material and water move through a controlled series of pits. This process rinses, unloads and separates the unused concrete while preventing different concrete mixtures from being inadvertently combined.

Separating the material is important because it helps keep each new concrete load pure and preserves the quality and consistency customers expect from Kienstra.

Using 100% Recycled Water

The truck-washing and material-separation process uses 100% recycled water. Water collected through the recovery system can be reused as part of the process rather than relying exclusively on new water for every truck wash.

This approach helps Kienstra make better use of an important natural resource while supporting day-to-day plant operations.

From Unused Concrete to Clean Raw Material

As the unused concrete moves through the recovery system, water is filtered from the solid material. The remaining material is collected, dried and processed into a clean recycled product.

Instead of treating unused concrete solely as waste, Kienstra recovers material that can serve a new purpose as base rock or fill.

Uses for Recycled Base and Fill Material

Kienstra’s recycled material can provide a practical alternative for applications that call for base rock or fill. Potential uses include:

  • General fill material

  • Base material for plant and construction sites

  • Working surfaces for equipment and trucks

  • Temporary construction access areas

  • Select roadway and infrastructure applications

  • Other approved base or fill applications

The appropriate material and installation requirements depend on the project. Customers should confirm specifications and intended use with their Kienstra representative before ordering.

From Sidewalks to High-Rise Projects

Once a truck is loaded, the concrete is delivered directly to the job site. Kienstra concrete is used in a wide range of applications, including:

Regardless of project size, the goal remains the same: delivering dependable, quality concrete when and where it is needed.

The Kienstra Commitment to Quality

For generations, Kienstra has supplied ready mix concrete throughout Missouri and Illinois. Our production process, experienced team, and commitment to quality help ensure that customers receive reliable concrete backed by dependable service.

Whether you're pouring a backyard patio, a commercial foundation, or critical infrastructure, quality starts long before the truck arrives at the job site.