You might not be aware of this, but asphalt is more than a practical and long-lasting option for your driveway. It also has a low impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Asphalt is the most recycled material in the United States. According to the Federal Highway Administration, around 80% of all asphalt components removed are reused during highway construction. Read on to learn about asphalt reuse.

Reasons for Reusing Asphalt

Asphalt is a very sustainable product because you can recycle it multiple times and use many waste products that would otherwise end up in landfills. Asphalt companies use rubber from old tires, blast furnace slag, sand from foundries, broken glass, and even pig compost to incorporate into asphalt mixtures. Reusing asphalt helps save hundreds of acres of land that landfills would otherwise take up. Recycled asphalt pavement components are said to be of a quality that is comparable to that of new asphalt components and, in some cases, they even have a higher grade. Furthermore, asphalt recycling is more cost-effective because the old base layers do not need to be removed.

Asphalt Recycling Methods

Asphalt recycling is done in several different ways. This includes heating or cooling it down through a process known as full-depth recycling. This allows for worn-down pavements to be reconstructed by reusing the current one.

In an asphalt reclaimer, millings or chunks of asphalt are combined with a small amount of water and various additives. Before being ready for use, the asphalt mixture is subjected to tumbling and heating. The asphalt cement, also known as the glue that holds the pavement together, can keep its adhesive properties and be recycled for use as a binding agent.

Reusing the fine mineral particles formed during the production of the asphalt material is another way to contribute to the conservation of the environment. Get in touch with Liberty Paving Co for a free quote for your asphalt paving job if you want the work done correctly. We take pride in serving our local community with high-quality materials.