What are hardcore materials and what are they used for?

Few materials are as essential for construction and demolition as hardcore. Strong, compact, and extremely durable, hardcore forms the foundation of many building projects, from driveways and pavements through to full-scale construction sites. But what are hardcore materials, what are they used for, and how can you dispose of them responsibly?

Below, we break down what qualifies as hardcore waste, share some common hardcore waste examples, and explore how our hardcore skip hire and hardcore disposal services can help you manage these materials efficiently and sustainably.

What are hardcore materials?

‘Hardcore’ refers to solid, heavy materials that form a stable base for construction projects. These materials are typically non-combustible, dense, and free from organic matter, meaning they won’t rot or shift over time. Common hardcore waste examples include:

• Whole or broken bricks from demolished walls or structures
• Solid pieces of concrete from slabs, posts, and foundations
• Rubble i.e. mixed fragments of stone, tile, and masonry
• Crushed rock and gravel used to improve compaction and drainage
• Tarmac or road base used in sub-base layers

These materials are typically produced during construction, renovation, and demolition projects where buildings, driveways, or pavements are being replaced or restructured. Rather than being sent straight to landfill, this waste can be repurposed as a valuable resource in future groundwork projects – more on that below. 

What are hardcore materials used for?

Hardcore is used to create a stable and level foundation for upper construction layers. It spreads weight evenly and prevents the surface above from cracking or shifting due to moisture, frost, or uneven settlement. Some of the most common uses for hardcore include:

• Providing a compact base for asphalt or paving in road and driveway foundations
• Supporting floor slabs and groundworks in building foundations
• Ensuring pavement and patio surfaces stay level over long periods of time
• Creating temporary access roads to manage heavy traffic and protect softer ground

Without the use of hardcore, many structures would lack the strength and stability needed to withstand long-term wear and tear. That’s why using high-quality, well-compacted materials is so important for every stage of construction – from preparation and excavation to the final groundwork stages.

The importance of proper hardcore disposal

Because hardcore is so dense and heavy, it must be handled and disposed of carefully. Incorrect disposal, for example mixing hardcore with general waste or soil, can make it impossible to recycle, which increases the environmental impact of your project.

This is where hardcore skip hire comes in. Hiring a dedicated hardcore skip allows you to separate your waste on-site, helping to keep materials clean and ready for recycling. Once collected, your waste is then transported to an authorised recycling facility (like McCarthy Marland’s), where it’s sorted, screened, and crushed for reuse as recycled aggregates or sub-base material.

Disposing of your hardcore waste responsibly not only ensures your project stays compliant with waste regulations, but also reduces the demand for virgin materials from quarries, making it a much more sustainable option overall.

Why choose recycled hardcore materials?

Recycled hardcore is as strong and reliable as quarried stone, but it’s available at a fraction of the cost. We produce high-grade recycled shingle and pipe bedding in a variety of sizes at our Gloucestershire recycling facility. All construction waste materials that are delivered to our site are carefully sorted, screened, and crushed into clean hardcore that can be reused in a range of groundwork and sub-base projects.

Our recycled hardcore is ideal for:

• Driveway bases and paths
• Sub-base layers for roads and car parks
• Ground stabilisation and drainage projects

Our shingle can also be mixed with light or sharp sand to create a strong and textured concrete base for further building and landscaping works.

Responsible hardcore waste management with McCarthy Marland

We offer a complete service for all your hardcore skip hire, hardcore disposal, and recycled aggregate needs. 

Our skips are available in a wide range of sizes – from mini skips for smaller clear-outs to larger roll-on roll-off containers for commercial and industrial sites. Once full, our team collects all your hardcore waste and transports it to our licensed recycled facility for processing. The materials are then transformed into reusable aggregates, helping to minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill. 

We provide both collection and delivery options for our recycled hardcore across the South-West of England. Whether you need 20 tonnes of sub-base material or smaller bulk bags, we guarantee to provide the exact amount needed for your project.  

Contact us to arrange your hardcore skip hire or to learn more about our recycled hardcore products.

FAQs

What is classed as hardcore waste?

Hardcore waste includes dense, non-biodegradable materials such as brick, concrete, tiles, rubble, and crushed stone. These materials are often left over from construction, renovation, or demolition projects and can be recycled into new aggregates.

Can hardcore go in a mixed skip?

No, hardcore should always be separated from general waste. Mixing it with materials like wood, metal, or plastic can make it difficult to recycle. Instead, you should hire a dedicated hardcore skip to ensure your waste is processed for recycling correctly.

Is hardcore recyclable?

Yes. Most hardcore can be recycled by crushing and screening it into reusable aggregates. We process hardcore waste at our recycling facility to create high-quality sub-base materials, helping to reduce the reliance on landfill and support more sustainable construction practices.

How much hardcore can I dispose of in a skip?

It all depends on the size of the skip you hire. Hardcore is very heavy, so smaller skips such as 4-yard or 6-yard skips are usually recommended for this type of waste. We can advise on the most suitable skip size based on your project’s needs.