Recycled Asphalt | Adopting Circular Construction Practices
Circular construction practices are a strategy focused on minimizing waste, extending the life of materials, and designing for reuse or regeneration. As the construction industry continues to be under pressure to reduce its environmental impact, adopting circular construction practices is a great way to reduce waste and reuse materials wherever possible. One of the leading examples? Recycled asphalt.
Circular Construction
Circular construction is a broader philosophy of rethinking the construction lifecycle:
Designing for reuse
Maximizing material life cycles
Recovering materials at end-of-life
Recycled asphalt is a key part of this movement. Rather than a "take-make-waste" model, circular construction encourages:
Rehab over replace
Reclaiming and repurposing materials
Minimizing environmental disruption—critical in underground utility work
Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is the result of grinding up old asphalt surfaces and reprocessing them into usable material. Rather than sending torn-up roadways to landfills, the asphalt is crushed, screened, and reintroduced into new paving or base-layer projects. In fact, the asphalt we use here at Ganim Company comes from a plant that uses recycled asphalt in the new asphalt that we buy!
Fresh asphalt.
Benefits of Recycled Asphalt
Environmental Sustainability
Reduces demand for virgin aggregates and asphalt binder (a petroleum product).
Lowers greenhouse gas emissions by reducing raw material extraction and processing.
Diverts millions of tons of waste from landfills annually.
Cost Efficiency
Significantly reduces material costs for municipalities and contractors.
RAP can be up to 50% cheaper than new materials, depending on availability and mix.
Performance Benefits
When properly processed and blended, RAP can match or even exceed the performance of traditional asphalt in many applications, especially in base and binder layers.
Modern testing and quality control tools ensure consistency.
Using the roller to pave asphalt.
Challenges & Best Practices of Using RAP
While recycled asphalt has clear benefits, it also requires:
Proper testing and mix design to ensure quality.
Attention to local regulations and specs for RAP percentages.
Good storage and handling practices to avoid moisture issues and contamination.
Other Examples of Circular Construction
Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA): Crushed concrete from demolition or road removal reused as base material, backfill, or even new concrete.
Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR): Existing asphalt pavement is milled, processed, and laid back down on-site using specialized equipment.
Reclaimed Aggregates for Trenching & Backfill: Reusing excavated materials or processed waste concrete/asphalt in trench backfilling.
Modular Utility Components: Pre-fabricated or modular vaults, manholes, and utility boxes that can be reused or relocated.
Soil Reuse & Stabilization: Reconditioning excavated soils for reuse on-site through drying, lime/cement stabilization, or screening.
And more!
Circular construction is more than just a trend—it’s a smarter, more sustainable way to build, repair, and restore infrastructure. By embracing practices like RAP, contractors reduce environmental impact, lower costs, and extend the life of critical infrastructure. As regulations tighten and demand for greener practices grows, recycled asphalt stands out as a practical, proven example of how the industry can build responsibly without sacrificing performance.
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