The Power of Asphalt Recycling: A Sustainable Future for North Dakota and South Dakota

Asphalt is the backbone our roads, driveways and infrastructure, but did you know it's also one of the most recyclable materials in the world? At Dakota Asphalt Pavement Association, we are proud to champion the recyclability of asphalt, a process that saves money, conserves resources, and reduces environmental impact across North Dakota and South Dakota.

Why Asphalt Recycling Matters

Asphalt's recyclability is a game-changer for sustainable construction. Here's why it's so important:

• Environmental Benefits: Recycling asphalt reduces the need for virgin materials like aggregates and oil, cutting down on mining and quarrying. It also keeps old pavement out of landfills, with nearly 95% of reclaimed asphalt being reused in new projects. According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), recycling asphalt saves approximately 60 million cubic yards of landfill space annually in the U.S.

• Carbon Footprint Reduction: By reusing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), we lower carbon emissions associated with raw material extraction and transportation. Cold in-place recycling, for example, can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 75% compared to traditional methods.

• Resource Conservation: Asphalt recycling preserves nonrenewable resources like stone, sand, and gravel, ensuring they’re available for future generations.

• Economic Savings: Recycling asphalt saves American taxpayers over $2 billion annually by reducing the need for new materials. In North and South Dakota, this translates to more cost-effective road maintenance and construction, benefiting local communities.

As DAPA continues to advocate for sustainable practices, asphalt recycling remains a cornerstone of our mission to build durable, eco-friendly infrastructure.

The Asphalt Recycling Process

The process of recycling asphalt is both efficient and innovative, ensuring that old pavement is transformed into high-quality material for new projects. Here’s how it works:

1. Milling or Removal: Old asphalt is removed using a milling machine, which grinds the pavement surface to a depth of 25-400 mm, depending on the project. Alternatively, full-depth removal may be used for deeper layers. Milling is preferred for its precision and ability to keep traffic flowing during the process.

2. Crushing and Screening: The reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is crushed and screened to create uniform, well-graded aggregates. This ensures the material meets quality standards for reuse.

3. Mixing: The RAP is mixed with new asphalt binder and aggregates at a recycling plant or on-site. In hot recycling, the material is heated to 300°F for about 20 minutes to achieve the right consistency. Cold recycling, which doesn’t require heat, further reduces energy use.

4. Reapplication: The recycled mix is laid down as new pavement, often with the same durability and lifespan as virgin asphalt—up to 20 years with proper maintenance.

5. Stockpiling (if needed): If not used immediately, RAP is carefully stockpiled to maintain quality, with detailed records to track material origins and prevent contamination.

   
   

This process, refined over decades, ensures that asphalt remains a circular, sustainable material. DAPA members lead the way in adopting these technologies, from cold milling machines to advanced recycling plants.

Common Questions About Asphalt Recycling

We get a lot of questions about asphalt recycling, so let’s address some of the most common ones:

Q: Is recycled asphalt as durable as new asphalt? A: Yes! When properly processed and installed, recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) is just as durable as virgin asphalt, with a lifespan of up to 20 years. Its increased stiffness can even reduce cracking, making it a reliable choice for roads and driveways.

Q: How much recycled asphalt can be used in new pavement? A: Typically, 10-30% of RAP is used in new asphalt mixes, but some projects incorporate up to 80-100% reclaimed material, depending on the quality and uniformity of the RAP.

Q: Does recycling asphalt really help the environment? A: Absolutely. Recycling asphalt reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources, and lowers carbon emissions. In 2021, using RAP in new mixes spared 2.6 million metric tons of CO2e from the atmosphere.

Q: Can recycled asphalt be used for all types of projects? A: While RAP is ideal for many applications, high-grade RAP from surface layers is best for new surface courses. Lower-grade material from deeper layers is often used in base layers or other civil engineering projects.

Q: How does DAPA support asphalt recycling? A: DAPA promotes best practices, provides training, and collaborates with contractors, suppliers, and government agencies to advance recycling technologies. Our annual conferences, like the 2023 event in Deadwood, SD, feature discussions on high-RAP mixes and sustainability.

Cost-Effectiveness of Asphalt Recycling

One of the biggest advantages of asphalt recycling is its cost-effectiveness, making it a win for taxpayers, contractors, and communities in North and South Dakota. Here’s why:

• Lower Material Costs: Recycled asphalt costs significantly less than new asphalt. On average, recycling asphalt is priced at $18 per ton, compared to $100-$200 per ton for virgin asphalt. These savings add up quickly on large projects.

• Reduced Transportation Costs: On-site recycling methods, like cold in-place recycling, eliminate the need to transport materials to and from a plant, cutting fuel and labor costs.

• Long-Term Savings: Recycled asphalt’s durability means fewer repairs and less frequent repaving, reducing maintenance budgets over time.

• Taxpayer Benefits: Nationwide, asphalt recycling saves over $2 billion annually. In our region, these savings allow local governments to fund more road improvements without raising taxes.

While initial costs for processing RAP or upgrading equipment can be a hurdle, the long-term savings and environmental benefits far outweigh these expenses. DAPA encourages innovative funding strategies, like federal grants, to help contractors adopt sustainable practices.

Photo: Central Specialties

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, DAPA remains committed to advancing asphalt recycling in North Dakota and South Dakota. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and fostering collaboration, we’re building a future where our roads are not only durable and safe but also sustainable and cost-effective. Whether you’re a contractor, policymaker, or resident, we invite you to join us in supporting the recyclability of asphalt—a small change that makes a big difference.

Let’s pave the way to a greener tomorrow, together.

Sources: National Asphalt Pavement Association, Federal Highway Administration, European Asphalt Pavement Association, and industry reports.