Recycled Asphalt Driveways: Everything You Need to Know

Recycled asphalt is exactly as it sounds: repurposed asphalt formed to make a new driveway. It costs less than standard asphalt and is more environmentally friendly. But it doesn't have the same durability and maintenance as standard asphalt. Learn all about recycled asphalt driveways, their pros, cons, and costs to determine if it's the right material for your driveway. 

Recycled Asphalt Driveway Pros and Cons

Recycled asphalt comes with its own appearance, cost, and level of maintenance. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of recycled asphalt before choosing it for your driveway.

Pros of Recycled Asphalt

• Less expensive than standard asphalt and concrete

• Lasts nearly as long as standard asphalt with proper maintenance, usually up to 20 years

• Environmentally-friendly, as it lowers greenhouse emissions by lessening the production of new asphalt

• Bonds together better than loose materials such as gravel, forming a semi-permanent driveway

• Holds up well in wet and snowy climates, limiting pooling and flooding

• Beautiful, unique driveway that looks like a mix between gravel and asphalt

• As durable as standard asphalt and holds up to heavy vehicles

• Less likely to experience cracking and rutting

Cons of Recycled Asphalt

• Can harden unevenly over time, causing deterioration and bumpiness

• Not as deep of a black color as standard asphalt

• Quality can depend on how it was recycled and what was recycled 

• Requires replacing some of the crushed asphalt every few years and raking loose pieces into place

• Requires resealing every two to three years

• Can form potholes or divots after extended use

• More difficult snow removal 

• Can contain foreign objects due to recycled nature

Cost of Recycled Asphalt for Driveways

Recycled asphalt driveways cost $6.20 to $8.75 per square foot, including installation. For comparison, standard asphalt costs $7 to $13 per square foot, including installation. Because of the rising price of oil, standard asphalt costs considerably more. Gravel, for comparison, costs $1.25 to $1.80 per square foot, including installation.

If you need to remove an existing asphalt driveway, your contractor may be able to use some of the reclaimed materials. You may pay less for materials to put toward the extra labor costs involved with removing a driveway.

What to Consider with Recycled Asphalt Driveways

Before you roll out the black carpet, make sure you've done your due diligence.

• Check with your local asphalt paving contractor to ensure the asphalt they use is from a reputable recycling facility.

• Ask to see examples of recycled asphalt driveways the contractor installed.

• Compare the look of recycled asphalt to standard asphalt and gravel to determine the look you prefer.

• Consider that standard asphalt lifespan is 15 to 30 years, whereas the lifespan of recycled asphalt is up to 20 years.

• Keep in mind that it’s difficult to pave over recycled asphalt if that’s a project you want to do in the future. The cracks and unevenness show through the new surface, so full removal of the recycled asphalt is necessary.

• Snow removal can be more time-consuming, as you need to be careful not to damage the asphalt's surface.

• Always check your city’s local ordinances about driveway guidelines, including width and thickness.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Recycled Asphalt Driveways

Installing a driveway is a labor-intensive process. It requires special, heavy equipment at nearly every step of the process, from leveling the area to laying fresh asphalt. If you attempt to install recycled asphalt yourself, you could end up with a weak driveway or damage your home’s foundation. Hire a local driveway paving pro to ensure you end up with a driveway that is durable, long-lasting, and built to code.

Questions to Ask the Driveway Pro

Before you hire a driveway paving pro, you should ask these questions to understand their work history, licensure, and how they will approach the project.

1. Are you licensed and insured?

2. Can you show me examples of your past work?

3. How long have you been in business?

4. How much will my project cost, and what are the payment terms?

5. Are there any permits to worry about?

6. What materials do you use?

7. Do you offer a warranty on the materials?

8. Can you share some references?

Be sure to get quotes from at least three contractors before selecting one to handle your asphalt driveway.