Asphalt recycling is a cost-effective and eco-friendly method that uses old asphalt materials to create new asphalt products like roads, driveways, shingles, and pavers. Using recycled asphalt has many benefits, which is why both public agencies and private contractors widely use this process. It reduces waste, saves money, and helps protect the environment, making it a smart choice for many projects.
By reusing existing materials, we can keep our planet cleaner and must reduce the need for new resources. This approach not only supports sustainability but also provides durable and reliable surfaces for various uses.
Did you know that out of all asphalt products made in the United States of America, about 80% will be recycled sooner or later in its life expectancy? Asphalt is America’s most recycled product.
It is assessed by the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) that over 110 million tons of asphalt are reclaimed annually, starting around 2018. Of that reclaimed material, practically 95% gets reused in the paving of infrastructure across the country. In general, almost 100% of asphalt will be recycled or stored for future use in the US.
BENEFITS OF RECYCLING ASPHALT
- Recycling the asphalt saves money. Using recycled asphalt means spending less money on new or “virgin” asphalt materials. The National Asphalt Paving Association appraises that almost $2 billion in taxpayer dollars are saved every year involving recycled pavement in infrastructure. The use of recycled asphalt pavement and shingles in business and private improvement projects is a lot less expensive option in contrast to generating and hauling in virgin asphalt.
- Recycling asphalt better for the environment. Increasing the use of recycled asphalt products (RAP) plays a vital part in essentially reducing greenhouse gas emission. The use of RAP lessens the need for new oil in the asphalt creation process. Recycled asphalt is 100 percent recyclable and renewable, so it has an amazingly long-life expectancy.
- It reduces other waste in landfills. Pavement and other RAP consists of a mix of recycled materials, including glass, rubber, steel, and cement. The resulting conglomeration reduces the presence of those other non-biodegradable materials in landfills as well as asphalt. Overall, the recycling process saves about 60 million cubic yards of landfill space per year, according to the NAPA Sustainability Report.
- It conserves other natural resources. Other limited natural materials are incorporated into asphalt mixtures to create pavement. By using RAP, we can preserve natural resources like stone, sand, and gravel, which are not inexhaustible. Agencies can scale back the use of other non-sustainable resources, similar to oil, when less virgin asphalt production is required.
- The durability and life span of recycled asphalt materials increases. At the point when new asphalt blends in with recycled materials, it makes a thicker, more durable product. Recycled asphalt pavement has further developed firmness, which decreases the probability of any cracking. This implies fewer repairs and maintenance on the asphalt from here on out.
- It has many uses past road paving. Companies use recycled asphalt material for the majority of different products beyond paved commercial infrastructure. Products that integrate RAP additionally include:
- Residential and commercial roofing and shingles
- Residential and commercial building exteriors
- Landscaping needs (pavers, retaining walls, etc.)
- Parking lots
- Driveways
HOW DOES THE ASPHALT RECYCLING PROCESS WORK?
Creating recycled asphalt products (RAP) is a reasonable and harmless to the environment. It includes three significant stages before government agencies, construction workers, contractors, or homeowners can use the product.
ASPHALT MILLING
Asphalt milling is the most important phase in the asphalt recycling process. This process involves removing the top layer of asphalt from a street or driveway while endeavoring to keep up with the structure of the sub-base. When the road or driveway is carefully milled with special machinery, it is pulled away to an asphalt plant for the following stage of the recycling process.
ASPHALT SCREENING AND SIZING
After completing the asphalt milling process, workers must sort, screen, and size the recycled materials. Researchers can separate smaller estimated asphalt particles for use in materials like shingles or pavers. On the other hand, companies may recycle larger chunks of asphalt into pavement, parking lots, or driveways that have more surface area.
ASPHALT PULVERIZATION
Another step in the asphalt recycling process involves asphalt pulverization. This process isn’t generally vital however might be used assuming the sub-base of the first asphalt has failed or needs replacing under any condition.
Asphalt pulverization includes grinding up the current sub-base layer and mixing it with the RAP, making another surface layer out of the recycled materials. This will make an incredibly strong first layer to begin building on. Contractors always pulverize asphalt on-site, reducing significant expenses.
Many people frequently use this process because it is quick, cost-effective, and great for the environment. Completing the process at the actual job site saves money and time on hauling. Furthermore, since it integrates entirely recycled materials, it is reducing the degree of non-renewable resources used and greenhouse gases emitted.
Asphalt is consistently the most recycled material in the United States each year. The use of recycled materials is widespread in both the private and public sectors. The use of RAP can lower construction costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 20%, and provide a durable, long-lasting structure.
Asphalt is non-biodegradable and the process of creating virgin asphalt products uses up valuable non-renewable resources like oil. By utilizing recycled asphalt, pavement professionals can decrease their carbon footprint.
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