Utilizing sustainable, eco-friendly options has become a popular, desirable choice for many industries in recent years, and the construction industry is no exception. At Tucker Paving, in our work in the paving industry, we use reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled crushed concrete as aggregate. Wood and steel are also commonly recycled or reused in the construction industry. There are many benefits to using reclaimed construction materials, but there are also challenges! In our 30 years in the construction industry, we’ve learned that it’s important to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of all your options in order to make the best choice for your client, your company, and the community you operate within.
Benefits of Using Reclaimed Construction Materials
Environmental. One of the main benefits of utilizing recycled or reclaimed materials is the environmental benefits. Reusing materials saves virgin resources from being depleted, thus conserving natural resources. It also keeps that recycled material out of landfills and reduces any greenhouse gas emissions that would be created by sourcing and transporting new materials. In fact, the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) have made a commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions in their respective production and construction by 2050, and recycling materials is one of the ways they aim to meet that commitment.
Economic. Using reclaimed construction materials is good for a project’s bottom line; recycled or reused materials are cheaper than new materials. If reused materials are sourced nearby, they will be even more cost-effective thanks to low transportation costs. For example, many asphalt pavers will mill the old asphalt pavement and use it to make new asphalt right on site. Additionally, utilizing reclaimed materials will also make a company more attractive to clients that are environmentally conscious, thus generating business opportunities.
Value Add-In. Recycled and reused materials can also add value to a project because the material itself was made to higher standards or has a historical significance. Think old, weathered barn wood being utilized as a shiplap wall or exposed wood ceiling beams due to the ambiance created by the old wood; another example is old copper plumbing being used as table legs, shelving support, and more for an industrial design look.
Reclaimed and recycled materials can also add value due to age because many materials were made stronger and more durable than a new equivalent today. For instance, reclaimed wood that was sourced from old growth timber and cut by hand is naturally stronger than the same wood today that comes from fast-growing tree farms and is cut by machines.
Challenges of Reclaimed Construction Materials
Health and Safety Concerns. While reclaimed and recycled materials may have a historic significance or be made to last, they also were made without regard to health concerns. Many materials contained lead, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and asbestos that could cause health issues if reused. It’s important to test recycled materials for any potential risks.
Quality Issues. Reclaimed materials are generally dismantled and processed from different sources by different people, and the quality of the materials can vary widely. It’s important to be able to ensure consistent quality in all materials.
Sourcing Issues. Some reclaimed materials can be easily sourced from surrounding areas, but others may be scarce. It does not make sense to use reclaimed materials if they are more expensive, require more transportation, or make a project harder to complete than new materials.
Codes and Regulations. Certain reclaimed materials may require the construction follow different codes or regulations that would not be required with new materials. This can make a project cost more and require more time and effort.
We have been serving Central Florida since 1994 in the asphalt and concrete paving industry, and we are proud to work in an industry that has committed to sustainable practices. We have completed projects for residential, commercial, and municipal clients. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or use our contact form online, to let us help you with your next concrete or asphalt paving project.
