Waste Foundry Sand (WFS)

Category: Science & Technology / Environment / Circular Economy

  • Waste Foundry Sand is a by-product of metal casting operations.

  • Foundry sand is generally high-quality silica sand.

  • Two broad types based on binder systems:

    • Clay-bonded/green sand

    • Chemically bonded sand

  • Large-scale disposal creates environmental and land-use challenges.

  • In 2026, CSIR-CRRI, Institute of Indian Foundrymen and Suyog Elements collaborated to develop solutions for using WFS in road construction.

  • Its reuse supports:

    • Waste minimisation

    • Resource efficiency

    • Circular economy

    • Conservation of natural sand resources.

Prelims fact: WFS → metal casting waste → possible road-construction material.