Benefits of Using Recycled Aggregates in Construction

Recycled concrete aggregates are made by crushing clean concrete, asphalt, and masonry into usable construction material. For the right application, they can be a practical alternative to virgin aggregate.

The best fit depends on product size, cleanliness, compaction requirements, drainage needs, delivery distance, and the project specification. If you are unsure, call before ordering.

Common Recycled Aggregate Products

3/4" Road Base

• Typical use: Road base, driveway base, parking areas, sub-base, and temporary access roads
• Material profile: Fine graded crushed concrete blend
• Why contractors use it: Packs well for many base applications and can be cost-aware compared with virgin rock

3" Minus Crushed Concrete

• Typical use: Bulk fill, drainage areas, site grading, retaining wall backfill, and larger base layers
• Material profile: Coarser crushed concrete blend
• Why contractors use it: Useful where larger aggregate and volume are more important than a fine finish

Recycled Asphalt

• Typical use: Driveway resurfacing, parking lot base, road patching, and temporary access
• Material profile: Crushed reclaimed asphalt with dark granular texture
• Why contractors use it: Can be useful for compaction and temporary surface work depending on the site

Economic Benefits

Recycled aggregates can reduce project material cost where the product fits the job. The savings usually come from:

• Local availability
• Reduced hauling distance
• Pickup or delivery flexibility
• Pairing inbound recycling with outbound aggregate supply
• Using site-produced material on larger mobile crushing projects

Rates and availability change with product type, volume, and distance. Call for current pricing before planning a load.

Material-Reuse Considerations

Recycled aggregate is made from clean material that has already been recovered and processed. Whether it fits a project depends on the owner’s requirements, the intended use, product availability, and any engineer or spec authority involved.

Use recycled aggregate only where the project allows it.

Product-Fit Considerations

Before ordering, confirm:

• Product size
• Quantity needed
• Pickup or delivery location
• Intended use
• Drainage or compaction expectations
• Whether project documents require a specific material
• Whether owner or engineer approval is needed

The right product depends on the required size, gradation, application, and project requirements.

Quality Considerations

Not all recycled aggregate is equal. Good results start with clean source material and clear product selection.

Source material matters

Clean material should be free of garbage, wood, plastic, drywall, soil contamination, hazardous materials, and other mixed debris.

Processing matters

Useful processing can include:

• Crushing to the intended size range
• Screening where required
• Magnetic separation for rebar and wire mesh
• Keeping material piles organized by product type

Project requirements matter

For critical or engineered applications, confirm material requirements before ordering. Some projects may require specific gradation, compaction testing, or engineer approval.

Limitations

Recycled aggregate is not the right answer for every job.

Use caution with:

• Structural concrete production
• Decorative exposed aggregate work
• High-spec municipal or engineered work without approval
• Loads or products with contamination concerns
• Applications where the project documents require virgin aggregate

When in doubt, ask before ordering.

How Recycled Aggregates Fit a Project

Many jobs use a simple workflow:

1. Drop off clean concrete/asphalt/masonry for recycling.
2. Buy recycled aggregate for base, fill, or drainage where appropriate.
3. For larger projects, consider scheduled mobile crushing so suitable material can stay on site.

The fit is often logistical: whether material, location, timing, and product needs line up.

How to Purchase Recycled Aggregates

Pickup

• Product availability varies by day and stockpile.
• Call before arrival to confirm product and loading details.
• Bring product type, approximate quantity, and vehicle/trailer details.

Delivery

• Delivery depends on quantity, location, truck availability, and product availability.
• Call with delivery address, product, quantity, and timeline.

Mobile Crushing

• Typically for 200+ ton clean concrete projects.
• Site access, space, dust control, volume, and schedule must fit.
• Call to confirm whether mobile crushing is practical for your site.

Bottom Line

Recycled aggregate may fit many base, fill, drainage, and access applications, but the smart move is to confirm product fit before ordering.

Need recycled aggregate?

Call Inland Concrete Recycling at 604-351-0956 with product type, quantity, location, and timeline.