In the past, asphalt was considered low value material. However, the asphalt that you know to be used for roads, parking lots, and other paving projects is made by combining the bitumen with aggregates such as rock, sand, and stone. Which were difficult to recycle in an efficient way. Old asphalt recycling methods (by melting) required enormous amounts of energy, making recycling financially and environmentally inefficient. Additionally, the transportation logistics added to the costs, since asphalt blocks are difficult to transport efficiently to the final recycling locations.
The asphalt recycling process begins when a professional asphalt recycling company gathers large chunks of asphalt or millings, whether from a residential construction site, commercial building, or industrial facility. The millings and broken asphalt pieces are then mixed with water and additives inside a reclaimer. The mixture then goes through either a hot or cold recycling process. Hot recycling involves tumbling the asphalt in the heat for approximately 20 minutes, while cold recycling doesn’t involve any heat. After either process, a product known as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is produced. This material can be used for various projects and recycled multiple times.
Benefits of recycling asphalt
Recycling may be an elaborate process, but its benefits far outweigh that factor. The process of asphalt is largely beneficial for local governments because it saves money that would go into new materials for paving roads. Additionally, not only is the recycling process greener and environmentally friendly, but it also creates new business opportunities. Taxpayers save so much money from asphalt recycling while contractors save by reducing transportation costs, materials, and energy.
Environmental benefits
The repeated process of asphalt creation increases pollution by a large degree. What could be better than recycling what is otherwise a toxic material? It would prevent toxin production, preserving the environment. Recycling old asphalt means you can reduce the amount of new oil you will need for your construction projects. Reducing dependence on a finite resource like oil is great news for the planet. This way, you can feel confident about making an effort for the environment.
Recycling asphalt further saves on construction material waste, but there are leftover, residual recycled materials that end up in the landfill. Plus, the mineral particles that you recycle conserve more natural resources.