
Key Takeaways:
- Recycling asphalt is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for your wallet.
- Recycling is a process that involves crushing and pulverizing the existing pavement, then mixing it with bitumen or asphalt to create a new, recycled mix.
- You can also talk to your local paving contractor about using recycled asphalt pavement in your next project.
- Recycled asphalt benefits include reduced pollution, lower emissions, and decreased costs for contractors and homeowners.
Recycled asphalt offers a variety of benefits over traditional paving & patching methods. It is a great way to reduce the amount of asphalt that goes into landfills. It’s also a sustainable way to reuse something that would otherwise end up in a dump. Asphalt recycling is beneficial for the environment and helps keep construction costs down.
Today’s blog post will explore the benefits of recycling asphalt, how it’s done, and what kind of projects it goes into. So, if you want to learn more about recycled pavement, read on!
Asphalt Recycling Process – Milling
Milling is an environmentally friendly process that recycles asphalt to create a new surface layer for roads, highways, and parking lots. It is a simple and effective way to recycle asphalt and create a new surface safe for vehicles and pedestrians.
- The process begins with a large machine removing the asphalt’s top layer. The process can be done by heating the top asphalt or scraping it off cold.
- The milled asphalt is collected and fed into another machine that crushes larger aggregates into asphalt chips.
- The milled material is then transported to a plant and mixed with new asphalt and other materials to create reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP).
- Additional rejuvenators & additives are necessary to restore the flexible properties of asphalt upon installation.
RAP can then be used in several ways, including:
- As a subbase for new pavement
- As an aggregate in hot mix asphalt
- As a stabilizing agent for gravel roads
- As patching material for minor to extensive repairs.
When used in new pavement, RAP can help improve the overall lifespan of the pavement. Studies have shown that pavement made with RAP can last longer than those made with virgin materials.
What’s more, using RAP can also help reduce costs associated with pavement construction and maintenance.
The recycling process doesn’t stop there—asphalt pavement can be recycled multiple times. Many roads and highways you travel today are made with recycled asphalt!
Read more on Asphalt Pavement Recycling.
Challenges Associated with Recycling Asphalt
- Breaking down and then recycling asphalt can release harmful toxins into the environment because it contains bitumen.
- Additionally, because recycled asphalt is not as strong as new, it is more likely to crack and crumble over time. That can create a safety hazard, as well as an unsightly appearance. Hence the use of rejuvenators.
- The process of milling and transporting RAP can be costly. Some localities have regulations that restrict the use of RAP.
Despite these challenges, recycling asphalt is becoming more and more common. More facilities are accepting RAP, and the savings often offset the costs of milling and transportation from using RAP in place of new asphalt. In addition, many states have relaxed their regulations regarding the use of RAP.
What Are the Benefits of Using Recycled Asphalt in Construction Projects?
There are many benefits to using recycled asphalt.
- First, recycling asphalt pavement reduces the need for landfills. Asphalt pavement can take up a lot of landfill space, so we can free up space for other waste materials by recycling them.
- Second, it can save money. The savings often offset the costs of milling and transportation from using RAP in place of new asphalt. In addition, many states have relaxed their regulations regarding the use of RAP.
- Asphalt is made from petroleum products, so recycling reduces our reliance on these finite resources. In addition, the process of recycling asphalt pavement emits fewer greenhouse gases than making new asphalt.
- Recycled asphalt is also cheaper than virgin asphalt, making it a cost-effective option for construction projects.
- Since it can be recycled multiple times, it’s a long-lasting material that can help reduce maintenance costs over the lifetime of a pavement.
How Can Businesses and Homeowners Get Involved in Recycling Asphalt Pavement in Their Area?
There are a few ways businesses and homeowners can get involved in recycling asphalt pavement in their area. One way is to look for products that contain recycled asphalt pavement (RAP). These products are made from recycled material and can be used in various applications, such as driveways, parking lots, and walkways.
Another way to get involved is to contact your local recycling center to see if they accept asphalt pavement. Many centers will receive this material and may even offer a discount for businesses and homeowners who bring in asphalt pavement.
Finally, you can also talk to your local paving contractor about using recycled asphalt pavement in your next project. Many contractors are now using RAP in their projects, which is a great way to get the most out of your recycling efforts.
Conclusion
Asphalt pavement is one of the most recycled materials in the world. Every year, millions of tons of asphalt pavement are removed from roads, parking lots, and other surfaces. And much of this material is recycled back into new asphalt pavement.
Recycling asphalt pavement is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money. Talk to your local paving contractor if you’re thinking about using recycled asphalt pavement in your next project. They can help you determine if RAP is the right choice for your project.

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