There are many types of asphalt mixes in use today – hot mix asphalt (HMA), cold mix asphalt (CMA), warm mix asphalt (WMA) – many, if not all, of which can later be recycled into reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). In 2019, the process of milling existing materials and recycling them into RAP gave new life to 89.2 million tons of materials used for asphalt paving in Phoenix and other cities in other states, making it “America’s most recycled product” (NAPA).
If you are considering new pavement, whether for roadways or driveways, you may want to consider this product. It’s also a good idea to consider RAP since April 22, 2021, is Earth Day. Here is a brief overview of the history of Earth Day and the benefits of reclaimed asphalt paving.
The History of Earth Day
According to History, Earth Day was founded in 1970 as a day of education about environmental issues and is celebrated annually on April 22, with this year marking the holiday’s 51st anniversary. The Day serves as an important reminder to us all that choosing environmentally friendly products, reducing landfill waste, and reusing materials whenever possible is crucial. These are all characteristics of reclaimed asphalt pavement.
What is Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement?
Reclaimed asphalt pavement refers to old materials that have been ground up for use in the production of new pavement. There are many benefits associated with the use of RAP in roadway paving, including freeing up landfill space, resulting in environmental friendliness and economic savings over the pavement’s life cycle (ADOT).
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency: National Service Center for Environmental Publications (EPA: NSCEP), three techniques may be used to incorporate RAP into the mixture: plant-recycled hot mix asphalt, hot in-place recycling, and cold in-place recycling.
Schedule an Appointment for Asphalt Paving in Phoenix
L&L Asphalt has years of experience installing new materials, and correcting pavement issues throughout Arizona. Our paving specialists can answer all your questions about asphalt paving in Phoenix and pavement materials, including reclaimed asphalt pavement, so that you may make an informed decision.
To schedule an appointment, please contact us at (623) 434-1200. A woman-owned and operated asphalt paving company, L&L is awarded hundreds of projects of varying size and complexity for local businesses and municipalities, leading us to believe that we are the premier candidate to manage your asphalt pavement.
Resources:
“About Us: The History of Earth Day.” Earth Day.
“Earth Day 2021.” History.
“Recycling.” National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA).
“Recycled Industrial and Construction Waste for Mutual Beneficial Use.” The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
“Study of the Use of Recycled Paving Material.” The United States Environmental Protection Agency: National Service Center for Environmental Publications (EPA: NSCEP).
“Transportation Defined: Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement.” The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
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