America’s #1 Recycled Material—And It’s Not What You Think
With an impressive 99% recycling rate, asphalt pavement is the most recycled product in the United States—far surpassing commonly recycled materials like aluminum cans, which only reach about 55%. It’s a quiet success story that’s been playing out for decades, even though most people don’t realize it.
Recycling reclaimed asphalt pavement (also known as RAP) has been a standard practice in the road construction industry for years. In fact, according to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it has led national recycling efforts for more than twenty years—consistently achieving rates over 90%.
Why It Works: A Perfect Recycling Loop
What makes asphalt pavement such a standout in the recycling world is the durability and reusability of its binder—the component that holds everything together. Even after multiple uses, this material maintains its cohesive properties, meaning it doesn’t degrade in quality after being recycled. That makes it incredibly cost-effective and sustainable.
The recycling process is also remarkably efficient. Once a road is milled, the material is crushed to a re-usable size and immediately reintroduced into new mixes. The infrastructure and technology to do this are already well established across the country. There’s no need for special programs, major policy changes, or public campaigns—it just happens.
That simplicity is part of the reason the process flies under the radar. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t need incentives or mandates. And it rarely makes headlines.
More Than Just Roads: Evolving Industry Practices
The industry hasn’t stopped at reusing old pavement. It has expanded its efforts with innovations like warm mix asphalt (WMA), which reduces production temperatures and lowers emissions, and the recycling of asphalt shingles (RAS), diverting tons of roofing waste from landfills while enhancing paving mixes.
These efforts reflect a broader shift in mindset—where sustainability is integrated not as a trend, but as a core operational principle.
Breaking the Mold: Rethinking Waste at Rotochopper
There’s a common assumption that road building and waste reduction can’t coexist. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, the paving industry has been decades ahead in redefining what “waste” really means.
At Rotochopper, we take that same perspective. Our equipment is designed to transform piles of discarded materials—like wood waste, yard debris, and asphalt shingles—into valuable, reusable products. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about shifting the way people think about resources.
Let’s Build a Smarter Future
Want to explore new ways to reduce waste and boost productivity? Our team is here to help. Contact Rotochopper to start a conversation about turning your waste streams into revenue streams.
Sources
http://www.asphaltpavement.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=45
http://www.asphaltpavement.org/images/stories/is-138_rap_ras_wma_survey_2009_2010.pdf