There are so many benefits to recycled asphalt. Did you know that asphalt is the most recycled material in North America? It is 100% recyclable! Imagine the environmental benefits! Asphalt is basically everywhere – on our roads, sidewalks, our driveways and sometimes even our backyards. With a material that is used so often and in such large quantities, we must learn how to be responsible with it. That’s where RAP comes in.
RAP
RAP stands for Recycled Asphalt Pavement, and it was introduced in the 1970’s to cut down on costs. One of the amazing things about asphalt is that it is recyclable not just once, but continuously, over and over again. It’s even more recyclable than paper or plastic!
The transportation of brand new asphalt creates CO2 emissions through fuel, however, when RAP is used, CO2 emissions are greatly reduced as the asphalt is already in the asphalt mixing plants. There is nothing to lose when using RAP.
As with anything, asphalt has its life span. For asphalt, it usually reaches the end of its life cycle between 20-25 years. After it is time to do a complete removal and replacement of asphalt, the old asphalt is milled off and becomes perfectly usable RAP. This is good for the environment our roads, as well as taxpayers. It keeps excess materials out of the earth’s landfills that are already too full and greatly reduces waste. A vital point to make, is that by using recycled asphalt, massively reduces the need for excess and unnecessary chemicals in the making of asphalt. It reduces mining and oil consumption, as well as the consumption of natural materials that are running low like aggregate and asphalt. This keeps our air clean, fresh, free of toxins and benefiting the planet in the best way possible.
How Is It Recycled?
The recycling process is quite similar to the installation process of new asphalt. The asphalt pieces are tumbled and heated to about 300F in an asphalt recycler. Once appropriately heated to the perfect temperature, the asphalt is laid onto the desired surface.
We can’t stop the use of asphalt – it is simply necessary in this day and age to make our roads convenient, and more safe and vehicle-friendly. One thing we can do, however, is make our carbon footprint as small as possible in the meanwhile by using recycled asphalt. You can contact Richmond Blacktop if you have any further questions regarding the typic, and we would be more than happy to help you. We offer free estimates and are professional, friendly and experts in our field. We look forward to working with you!
