Construction is often presented as a forward-thinking sector that builds bigger, better, and stronger. However, there is a growing realization that the future of construction needs to reflect and evaluate how we deal with the remnants of past undertakings. Enter concrete and asphalt recycling, a practice that is quietly changing the way we destroy, repurpose, and rebuild.

Whether you’re a contractor demolishing a parking lot or a homeowner restoring your driveway, understanding the lifecycle of these widely used materials is important for operating smarter and making construction more sustainable.

The Environmental Impact of Construction Waste

The construction sector generates massive amounts of garbage. In fact, construction and demolition debris makes up more than double the quantity of municipal solid waste in the United States. Much of that volume—313 million tons in 2018—is made up of concrete and asphalt, which take up valuable space in landfills while contributing nothing to the system.

Concrete can take centuries to break down, while asphalt is a bit easier to manage because it can be more readily reused or processed. Still, both materials continue to clog up already overcrowded landfills. Even worse, if not properly disposed of, toxic runoff from these materials can seep into groundwater and adjacent ecosystems. It’s a silent environmental burden that can be fully avoided.

The Value of Reused Aggregates in Infrastructure

The irony is that both concrete and asphalt are extremely valuable even after their original use. Crushed concrete is turned into recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is a popular component in new asphalt mixtures. These materials can be reused in a variety of applications, including new roads and drainage systems, replacing virgin aggregates.

What exactly does that mean in practice? It means we can limit the amount of new resources mined, reduce transportation emissions, and lower the carbon footprint of new infrastructure. It’s not only environmentally good; it’s also economically sensible.

Reducing Greenhouse Emissions and Landfill Pressure

More than just saving money or cleaning up your site, recycling concrete and asphalt helps lower your carbon footprint. Producing new materials from scratch uses a lot more energy than crushing and screening existing ones does. According to the Federal Highway Administration, using recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in road construction can reduce energy use by up to 15% and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%, compared to producing new hot mix asphalt. Specific percentages can vary based on the amount of RAP used and the production methods. Similarly, crushing and screening reclaimed concrete requires far less fuel and equipment time than mining, transporting, and processing virgin aggregate.Recycling also reduces environmental and logistical expenses as landfill space becomes more limited and tipping rates increase.

In circular construction, every ton of recycled asphalt or concrete that is kept out of the landfill is a tiny but significant victory for construction sustainability.

What Makes Concrete and Asphalt Recyclable

The majority of buildings that have been constructed in the past few decades are good candidates for recycling. However not all concrete and asphalt are equal and must fit certain qualifications to be recyclable. Recyclable materials can be found in parking lots, curbs, streets, walkways, driveways, and airport runways.

Large amounts of usable concrete and asphalt can also be found in demolition debris from residential and commercial operations, especially if the debris is clean,that is, devoid of excessive impurities or mixed materials.

Is Your Material Suitable for Reuse?

Materials that are mostly uniform, free of debris, and break apart cleanly into solid chunks, rather than crumbling or splintering, are indicators that your material is recyclable. It is significantly simpler to crush and screen concrete into high-quality aggregate when there is less rebar and other foreign trash present. Likewise, asphalt that has not been exposed to industrial waste or combined with other materials loses its usefulness.

Making the call doesn’t require you to be an expert in materials science. A trustworthy recycling contractor can evaluate your stuff and give you a straightforward “Yes” or “No.”

Contamination That Can Complicate the Process

Not all materials make the recycling cut, and current processing technology isn’t magic. A variety of contaminants can foul the asphalt and concrete recycling process. For instance, painted concrete, particularly if it has been covered with lead-based materials, typically cannot be recycled. Conventional recycling procedures usually cannot separate asbestos embedded in concrete Oil, wood, and plastics mixed in recovered construction materials also cause problems.

Using too much rebar, mesh, or fiber reinforcement during construction can slow down processing or require the use of special tools. Make sure you’re open and honest with your recycler, tell themyour asphalt or concrete contains questionable materials; this will save time and keep the process safe and legal.

When Should You Recycle Concrete and Asphalt?

Recycling, in most cases, is not only the more environmentally friendly choice, but can also save you from hefty fees at the landfill.. Concrete is heavy and priced by weight, so landfill dumping fees for building debris can be surprisingly high. Recycling facilities, on the other hand, often accept clean concrete and asphalt at a discount, or even for free, because they can resell the processed materials.

Those processed materials, like recycled aggregate, are also frequently cheaper to purchase than virgin stone or gravel. So by recycling old material and using recycled product in your next build, you can cut costs on both disposal and supply.

Material Volume and Recycling Feasibility

The more material you’re working with, the more affordable your recycling. Hiring a hauler to carry away a few cracked patio stones might not be warranted, but hundreds of square feet of concrete driveway? Processing that is worthwhile, and contractors or recyclers may be eager to take your project.

If you’re managing a significant demolition, recycling and its costs should be included in the original project design. For smaller projects, as local recyclers if they take drop-offs of concrete or asphalt. When you don’t have a lot of material, work with neighboring sites to combine loads.

Local Regulations or Incentives That May Apply

Asphalt and concrete are prohibited by many landfills because it takes up limited space. Others promote recycling by providing tax breaks, rebates, or lower tipping costs. 

Across the nation, states including Oregon, California, Washington, Colorado, New Jersey, and Maine, along with a few municipalities, now require the recycling of building waste. Regulations vary by state and municipality. Some states have mandates or incentives for recycling C&D materials, while others may have guidelines or voluntary programs. It’s essential to consult local regulations for specific requirements.

• California: The state’s Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) program offers businesses that utilize recycled materials incentives such as reduced taxes and streamlined permitting processes.
• Portland, Oregon: The Sunderland Recycling Facility charges $8.85 per ton for clean loads of asphalt and concrete, significantly lower than standard landfill fees, encouraging recycling over disposal.
• New Jersey: The state imposes a Recycling Tax of $3.00 per ton on solid waste, but certain recycling centers are exempt, effectively reducing costs for those who recycle construction and demolition debris

Consult your local environmental agency or building department before you begin moving any construction material to the landfill. Recycling may turn out to be not just the right decision, but also the legal one.

How to Choose a Recycling Contractor or Facility

Not every recycler is the same. Look for facilities or contractors who have been licensed by your state or local government and who adhere to safety and environmental standards. LEED accreditation or certification from groups like the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA) can also show that a facility satisfies industry standards.

Before you commit to a recycler, ask the right questions:

• Do they separate and screen materials onsite?
• Can they handle rebar and other contaminants?
• What happens to the recycled material?
• Can they provide documentation or weight receipts?

Their answers help ensure your waste isn’t just being dumped somewhere else. Avoid recyclers that:

• Give evasive or imprecise responses regarding disposal.
• Lack the appropriate permits or licenses.
• Don’t permit site visitors or pictures of their work.
• Offer unusually low rates with no explanations.

Trust your instincts. Look for a recycler who conducts business in an ethical and open manner. Feel free to look elsewhere if their answers seem strange.

Finding Local Options: Municipal vs. Private Services

Many counties and towns manage construction waste by partnering with private contractors or using public recycling yards. Although municipal landfills are frequently more affordable than private locations, they may have more stringent rules or shorter hours of operation. Extra services, such as project consulting, onsite crushing, or pickup, may be offered by private facilities.

A few certain cities, including Portland, Oregon, and San Diego, are being proactive by providing contractor directories, recycling education initiatives, or even incentives for environmentally friendly demolition. Events such as community waste drop-offs, recycling fairs, and reuse centers aid in increasing public support whileand lowering trash volumes in general.

To choose the best route for recycling construction waste, check Earth911 (enter your ZIP Code), and look through local directories, internet evaluations, or word-of-mouth recommendations.

Smart Uses for Recycled Concrete and Asphalt

Road base, the base for new pavement, is frequently made from recycled concrete. For retaining walls, trenches, and other below ground uses, it’s also a great fill material. Reclaimed asphalt pavement offers superior durability and performance and is frequently reincorporated into fresh hot mix asphalt.

By transforming old highways into new ones, these uses effectively close the lopp.

Landscaping and Hardscaping Projects

Recycled materials are used creatively by landscapers and homeowners. Crushed concrete works great for garden walks, patios, and drainage solutions. Reclaimed asphalt can be used for rural roads and driveways as a long-lasting surface. In addition to being environmentally friendly, hardscaping with repurposed materials gives the design texture and personality.

Green Infrastructure and Innovative Builds

Recycled aggregates are becoming more common in everything from environmentally friendly walkways to permeable pavement systems that control stormwater runoff. Engineers and architects are also experimenting with recycled-material modular concrete blocks to create original, low-carbon constructions that upend the status quo.

How Contractors and Homeowners Can Lead by Example

You set the tone if you’re in the construction industry. Making the decision to recycle—and discussing your choices—helps normalize these behaviors. When it comes to gardening or remodeling, homeowners can request recycled materials. Contractors can include recycling plans in bids or proudly display their green certificates in advertising and promotions.

Demolition doesn’t need to equal destruction. Valued materials like concrete, asphalt, metal, and wood, can be separated and properly recycled or reused with careful deconstruction and sorting. Renovations that use recycled materials or conserve original materials are both resourceful and forward-thinking.

Although asphalt and concrete may appear to be the forgotten foundation of our built environment, when handled properly, they can serve as the foundation for future development. Recycling construction materials is a good idea at home and wise business decision. Lead your community toward a more sustainable future through good stewardship, and take a step toward improving things from the ground up.

About the Author

Bailey Corns is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro