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Asphalt: The Eco-Friendly and Recyclable Paving Material

by | Nov 18, 2022

Asphalt: The Eco-Friendly and Recyclable Paving Material

Asphalt: The Eco-Friendly and Recyclable Paving Material

There are many paving materials on the market, but asphalt is one of the most eco-friendly and recyclable. Asphalt is made of recycled materials, so it doesn’t put strain on natural resources. It can also be melted down and reused, making it a very sustainable option.

Asphalt’s status as a highly sustainable product is not only on account of the fact that it can be reused over and over, but also because it utilizes many waste products that would typically be sent to the landfill.

Tire rubber, slags, foundry sand, glass, and even pig manure are incorporated in the asphalt mixture saving hundreds of acres of landfill space. The good news is that Recycled Asphalt Pavements (RAP) are said to match the quality of those made from new materials and are sometimes of a higher grade.

 

Asphalt Recycling Process

 

There are many different methods of asphalt recycling, including hot or cold recycling and full-depth recycling (FDR) which enables worn-out pavements to be rebuilt by reusing the existing ones. Here is the typical process used for recycling asphalt:

 

  • Asphalt chunks or millings are mixed in an asphalt recycler (or reclaimer) along with some water and additives.
  • For hot mix asphalt, the mixture is tumbled and heated for approximately 20 minutes before it is ready for use. Cold recycling, on the other hand, avoids the use of heat and saves energy in the process.
  • Often, the asphalt cement (the glue that holds the pavement together) retains its adhesive capabilities and can be reused as a binding agent.
  • Fine mineral particles that are generated in the process of producing the asphalt pavement material may also be reused which helps to conserve natural resources.

Asphalt is one of the most eco-friendly and recyclable paving materials on the market. It can be melted down and reused, making it a very sustainable option.

RCM Paving offers asphalt needs for both residential and commercial properties. If you are in need of eco-friendly paving material, reach out to us today.