Recycled Asphalt in South Carolina: Uses, Benefits & Why It Matters

Recycled asphalt, also known as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), is quickly becoming a popular choice in South Carolina for cost-effective, eco-friendly paving. At Affordable Asphalt Co., we specialize in using recycled asphalt for a variety of paving projects, helping clients save money while supporting sustainable construction practices.

In this guide, we’ll explain what recycled asphalt is, how it’s made, its benefits, and how we use it to deliver high-quality, environmentally responsible paving solutions across the Palmetto State.

What Is Recycled Asphalt?

Recycled asphalt is old asphalt pavement that has been removed, processed, and reused in new paving projects. Because asphalt is made from a blend of aggregates, sand, and asphalt bitumen, it can be reclaimed and reprocessed multiple times without compromising performance.

Instead of sending deteriorated roads or parking lots to landfills, we repurpose the material to reduce waste and keep costs down.

How Recycled Asphalt Is Made

The recycled asphalt process involves several key steps:

1. Inspection and Material Assessment

Before any asphalt can be reused, the pavement is inspected for quality, density, and composition. This ensures the material can meet local paving codes and will perform as expected once reapplied.

2. Asphalt Milling and Removal

Once approved, the old asphalt is milled or ground off the surface. Usually, only the top layers are removed, as the lower layers may remain intact and structurally sound. These surface layers are rich in bitumen and ideal for reuse.

3. Transport and Storage

The milled material is transported to a nearby processing plant. Because asphalt is expensive to dump and still has value, it’s stored until it can be used in a new paving mix.

4. Crushing and Screening

At the plant, the recycled asphalt is crushed into smaller pieces and screened to remove debris. This ensures a uniform mixture when it’s reheated and repurposed.

5. Heating and Remixing

When it's time to repave, the processed material is heated to reactivate the bitumen, which becomes soft and sticky. New aggregate or bitumen may be added to improve strength or consistency before it's laid down as a new pavement layer.

Benefits of Recycled Asphalt

✅ Environmentally Friendly

Recycling asphalt helps reduce waste sent to landfills and minimizes the need for new raw materials, conserving resources and lowering your carbon footprint.

✅ Cost-Effective

Using RAP reduces material and disposal costs. This translates to more affordable paving for clients while maintaining quality.

✅ Durable and Long-Lasting

When properly processed and installed, recycled asphalt is just as durable as new asphalt. It performs well in South Carolina’s hot summers and variable winters.

✅ Versatile Uses

Recycled asphalt can be used for:

• Driveways

• Roads

• Parking lots

• Private access roads

• Patching and resurfacing projects

It can even be used in asphalt shingles, a common material in roofing products.

Recycled Asphalt Regulations in South Carolina

Local zoning laws and paving codes in South Carolina vary by county and municipality. In public road projects, there are often limits to how much recycled material can be used in each layer of asphalt:

• Surface layers may allow up to 20% recycled asphalt

• Intermediate/base layers can often allow 30–40% or more

For private property paving, such as parking lots or driveways, there’s typically more flexibility. Affordable Asphalt Co. can help you choose the right mix design to balance durability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, while ensuring full code compliance.

Why South Carolina Chooses Affordable Asphalt Co. for Recycled Paving

At Affordable Asphalt Co., we are proud to be a leader in recycled asphalt paving in South Carolina. With deep local experience and a commitment to sustainability, we help homeowners, businesses, and municipalities save money and reduce environmental impact, without sacrificing performance.

We service:
📍 Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, and surrounding areas.

Ready to Get Started with Eco-Friendly Asphalt Paving?

If you're considering recycled asphalt for your next paving project in South Carolina, we're here to help. Affordable Asphalt Co. has the expertise and equipment to deliver a strong, affordable, and sustainable result.

📞 Call us today or request a free estimate online to learn more about our recycled asphalt services!