Immobilised material is material whose harmful substances have been fixed, or immobilised, in a solid and stable matrix, so that they no longer leach out, or leach out far less. Examples include contaminated soil, incinerator bottom ash and dredged sludge.
How does immobilisation work?
During immobilisation the harmful substances are locked into a stable matrix using binders, such as:
- Cement
- Lime
- Bitumen
- Plastic
Because the substances are firmly bound, they can no longer wash out freely with rain or groundwater. Leaching is strongly reduced.
Purpose and application
The aim is to make residual materials suitable for useful reuse as a building material, for example in foundation layers, within the applicable environmental limits. This keeps material in the loop so it does not have to be landfilled, saving primary raw materials and landfill capacity.
Immobilised material therefore fits into a circular approach to construction, in which residual streams are reused as much as possible instead of being disposed of as waste.
Related terms
- Incinerator bottom ash
- Granulate
- Binder
- Circular economy
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