A new remediation technology could change how the UK handles brownfield redevelopment by offering a cost-effective, on-site solution for contaminated soil, say its developers.
Developed by SMR UK, the patented binder, called ReBind, enables developers to stabilise and reuse up to 100% of contaminated ground, avoiding escalating landfill costs and reducing environmental impact.
The standard rate of landfill tax increased to £126.15 from April 2025. Combined with disposal fees, removing hazardous soil can reach £160 per tonne, an increasingly unviable route for many developments, the developers said. With shrinking landfill capacity and rising costs, councils and developers are under pressure to find faster, more affordable solutions, they added.
“Landfill tax was meant to encourage more sustainable alternatives, but it has made remediation financially out of reach for many projects,” said Clare Thomas, Managing Director of SMR UK.
“ReBind offers an immediate, cost-effective option, treating soil on-site, cutting disposal costs, and reducing project timelines by up to 75%. It also reduces the need for importing materials, reducing carbon impact and transport disruption.”
ReBind is already in use on live projects and has delivered proven results, says the firm. On a large-scale infrastructure scheme in Melton Mowbray, SMR UK worked with MWH Treatment Ltd to stabilise contaminated ground conditions on-site, avoiding the need to remove over 8,300m² of spoil and replace it with imported materials. The solution prevented over 1,300 vehicle movements and saved more than £2 million in costs while reducing carbon emissions by 1,272 tonnes of CO₂e.
“These results clearly show how ReBind can overcome complex ground conditions and help meet strict environmental targets,” said Clare Thomas.
“We’re now looking at how the same approach can be applied to residential developments, especially those that have stalled due to the high cost of land remediation.”
SMR UK has also worked with major developers, including Vistry Homes, Redrow, Bellway, and David Wilson Homes, using its soil stabilisation technology on active sites.
