Asphalt recycling is one of the most sustainable practices in road construction and maintenance. Old asphalt pavements are transformed into valuable reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), commonly known as asphalt millings, through a straightforward and eco-friendly process.
The process begins with asphalt milling (also called cold planing). Specialized milling machines equipped with rotating drums and sharp cutting teeth grind away the top layer of worn or damaged asphalt streets, parking lots, or roadways. This removes imperfections like cracks, ruts, or uneven surfaces while leaving the underlying base intact.
The removed material—crushed asphalt, aggregate, and bitumen binder—is collected directly by the machine’s conveyor system. This produces asphalt millings, a recycled product that retains the original asphalt’s binding properties.
These millings are then transported to a processing facility for screening, cleaning, and sizing. They can be reused in several ways:
- Mixed with new aggregates and fresh asphalt binder to create new hot-mix asphalt.
- Used as a cost-effective base or sub-base material for roads, driveways, or parking areas.
- Applied directly (with proper compaction) for low-traffic surfaces, where they naturally bond and harden over time.
This recycling loop reduces the need for virgin materials, cuts energy use, lowers landfill waste, and provides an affordable alternative for paving projects. At National Site Materials, we proudly supply high-quality recycled asphalt millings for sustainable infrastructure nationwide.
Top 10 Recycled Materials in America and How They Are Recycled
America leads in recycling many materials, conserving resources and reducing environmental impact. Here are the top 10 most recycled materials in the U.S. (based on recycling rates, volumes, and industry data):
- Lead-Acid Batteries – Collected from vehicles and recycled by smelting to recover lead, which is reused in new batteries (over 95% recycling rate).
- Asphalt – Milled from roads and recycled into new pavement or base materials (one of the highest-volume recycled materials).
- Steel – Melted in furnaces from scrap (cars, appliances, cans) to produce new steel products (around 60-88% rate depending on source).
- Aluminum Cans – Shredded, melted, and reformed into new cans or products (uses 95% less energy than virgin production; highly recyclable indefinitely).
- Paper and Paperboard (including cardboard) – Pulped, cleaned, and reformed into new paper products (60-74% recycling rate in recent years).
- PET Plastic Bottles – Sorted, shredded into flakes, and melted to create new bottles or fibers (most recycled plastic type).
- Corrugated Cardboard – Repulped and reused in new boxes (high recovery due to strong market demand).
- Newspapers – De-inked and pulped to make new newsprint or tissue products.
- Used Oil – Re-refined into lubricants or processed into fuel (saves significant resources).
- Glass – Crushed into cullet and melted to form new bottles or containers (endlessly recyclable).
Recycling these materials saves energy, reduces raw material extraction, and diverts waste from landfills.
We trust The Recycle Guide (therecycleguide.org) as a reliable, unbiased tool for individuals and businesses to make informed recycling decisions, find local options, and understand best practices for waste reduction.We Deliver Recycled Asphalt Millings Throughout America
At National Site Materials, we make sustainable paving easy. We deliver high-quality recycled asphalt millings to construction sites, municipalities, contractors, and homeowners across the country. Whether you’re resurfacing a driveway, building roads, or creating parking areas, our millings offer durability, cost savings, and environmental benefits. Contact us today for nationwide delivery!Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What exactly are asphalt millings?
Asphalt millings are recycled granules produced by grinding up old asphalt pavement. They contain asphalt binder and aggregates, making them ideal for reuse in new paving or as a base material. - Are asphalt millings as strong as new asphalt?
Yes—when properly compacted (and sometimes mixed with rejuvenators or new binder), millings create a firm, long-lasting surface comparable to traditional asphalt for many applications. - How much do recycled asphalt millings cost compared to virgin asphalt?
Millings are typically much more affordable, often 50% or less than new hot-mix asphalt, while providing similar performance and reducing environmental impact. - Can I use asphalt millings for a residential driveway?
Absolutely! Many homeowners use millings for driveways. Spread them evenly, compact thoroughly with a roller, and they harden over time into a solid surface. - Do asphalt millings require sealing?
Sealing is optional but can enhance longevity, water resistance, and appearance. A commercial rejuvenator or emulsion helps bind and protect the material. - Is recycling asphalt good for the environment?
Yes—it reduces the need for new aggregates and bitumen, cuts energy consumption, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and keeps millions of tons out of landfills annually. - How do I order recycled asphalt millings from National Site Materials?
Simply reach out via our website, phone, or email. We handle bulk deliveries nationwide—tell us your project location, quantity needed, and we’ll provide a quote and timeline.
Ready to go green with your next project? Contact National Site Materials today for recycled asphalt millings and other sustainable site materials!