Asphalt Recycling FAQ

Did you know that using recycled asphaltcan help you save money and is just as durable as brand new asphalt? Since we are an asphalt company, we get a lot of questions about the benefits of asphalt recycling.

If you are interested in learning more, we suggest you read through our list of frequently asked questions so you can make an informed decision when hiring a contractor to pave asphalt driveways or parking lots. Continue reading to learn how our asphalt paving contractors at ACT Asphalt Specialties use asphalt millings for new projects.

Can asphalt be recycled?

Yes, asphalt can be 100% recycled.

What is RAP?

RAP stands for “recycled asphalt product” and is made out of crushed asphalt. Any asphalt that has been removed can be recycled and used as RAP.

What are the financial benefits of asphalt recycling?

Recycled asphalt pavement is less expensive than paying for new paving materials. According to AsphaltRecyling.com, the average cost to recycle asphalt is $18 per ton. However, to buy asphalt brand new would cost you approximately $78 per ton.

Since the price of asphalt fluctuates, these numbers are subject to change depending on your region. However, this helps you get a general idea of how much you could save by using reclaimed asphalt.

How does asphalt recycling benefit the environment?

Reclaimed asphalt pavement puts less strain on scarce natural resources. While asphalt by itself is not beneficial to the environment, recycling asphalt materials significantly cuts down on waste. Recycling asphalt pavement also reduces carbon emissions caused by mining, quarrying, and oil consumption.

What is the life expectancy of recycled asphalt?

The life expectancy of recycled asphalt is the same as virgin asphalt. Given proper maintenance, your recycled asphalt driveway or parking lot can last up to 20 years.

Is recycled asphalt durable?

Yes, if recycled asphalt has been properly installed, it will be as durable as virgin asphalt.

How do asphalt contractors dispose of recycled asphalt?

Most asphalt contractors don’t own asphalt recycling facilities. However, they will take your old asphalt to a hot mix plant to be recycled for a fee.

What is asphalt pulverization?

Asphalt pulverization is the process of grinding up old asphalt in order to create asphalt millings. This is done on-site, so all of the layers get mixed together. It’s a quick and environmentally friendly process.

How is asphalt recycled?

The asphalt recycling process starts with loading asphalt millings and large broken pieces of asphalt into the asphalt recycler. The materials are then tumbled for about 20 minutes at a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit until they reach the consistency needed for asphalt paving.

Asphalt recycling centers will crush asphalt remnants until they reach the right consistency. The recycled asphalt is then mixed with virgin materials.

How much asphalt is reused in the U.S. each year?

The Federal Highway Administration reports approximately 75 million tons of recycled asphalt is used each year, making it the most recycled material in the United States. This also means that asphalt recycling keeps 75 million tons of asphalt out of our landfills.

Ready to Learn More?

ACT Asphalt Specialties is a Minneapolis asphalt company dedicated to helping you with sustainable pavement projects. If you are interested in our asphalt recycling services, give us a call at (651) 484-1696.

This blog post has been updated.