Asphalt is the most recycled material on Earth. As a petroleum byproduct, new asphalt is environmentally harmful to produce. Roughly 99% of all asphalt pavement is recovered every year, protecting people, property, and our planet. Asphalt is useful for so many things, from roadways to roof shingles.
The benefits of recycling asphalt are enormous. Recycled asphalt saves American taxpayers over $1.8 billion. It prevents 2.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, up to a 61% reduction of greenhouse gases. Shingle waste stays out of landfills; the average shingled roof provides enough asphalt to pave 200 feet of a 2 lane highway. Without needing to import more oil to make asphalt, the US can reduce its dependence on foreign oil, which can run up to 7.86 million barrels per day. Recycled asphalt is also cheaper than new; processing costs fall by $25 per recycled batch.
Today, the asphalt recovery market is a $7.1 billion dollar industry. There are more than 50 roofing recovery sites in over 20 states. More states are expected to follow; US asphalt demand is projected to rise 3% year over year. Asphalt recycling is the present, not the future. Learn more in the infographic below.
Source: InvestSkyQuarry.com