Going cheap, or green, with all the best options — these are things most people value when considering redoing something inside or outside their home.
It is no different when redoing (or doing for the first time) your driveway. Should you choose recycled asphalt or concrete?
What are the recycled asphalt and crushed concrete prices? Which choice will be the most cost-effective?
Where can you get it and how long will it last before it needs repair or replacement? What about environmental benefits?
There are many variables to consider when deciding what will be best for your driveway; we can help you with the process. Below, we have some options to consider.
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Recycled Asphalt Cost (Also Known as Asphalt Millings)
The cost is typically between $7 to $15 per ton depending on the recycling company and percentage of recycled asphalt but can fluctuate to about $60.
New asphalt can cost $100 to $200 per ton.
Driveways should be about four inches thick, and one ton of asphalt can cover about 80 square feet when it is laid about several inches thick.
The installation process itself costs much more money. Most people spend between $2,205 to $5,760 as it is usually installed per square foot and requires various equipment; this typically includes the price of delivery as well.
Be very conscious of where you’re purchasing from; since it’s recycled, you want to keep an eye on the quality of the asphalt.
Do your research and find a well-known and highly rated recycling facility that produces high-quality recycled asphalt.
Average material costs are:[1]
- Single-car driveway: $30 to $255
- Double-car driveway: $60 to $511
- Long double-car driveway: $75 to $639
We calculated costs by determining how many tons are needed based on average dimensions for a single driveway (20 ft length x 10 ft width), double driveway (20 ft length x 20 ft width), and long double driveway (25 ft length x 20 ft width).
We then multiplied that amount by the average low price of $7 and the average high price of $60 per ton to figure pricing; pricing can fluctuate depending on the company.
Important Considerations Before Using Asphalt Millings
Consider the following before using asphalt millings for your driveway:
City Ordinances and HOA Restrictions
Be sure to know your specific HOA rules on paving with asphalt, as they can vary from state to state and even neighborhood to neighborhood.
For example, some dry weather can cause asphalt to shrink, which can then cause hairline fractures.
Most of the time, any Home Owner’s Associations simply want their neighborhood to look nice, so keep up-to-date with anything that needs fixing.
Maintenance
Recycled asphalt is easy to maintain. If you buy millings, you can expect very little refinishing, resurfacing, or replacing.
Asphalt millings should last about 20-30 years. However, all driveways require some maintenance from time to time depending on the situation.
Weather Durability
Recycled asphalt has high durability, especially in places with heavy winters. This means it can stay strong through the harshest of winters.
Snow typically melts off the asphalt more quickly than other materials, ice takes longer to form, and it prevents flooding and pooling.
Environmental Impact
In a study done at the University of Wyoming, researchers wanted to address the problem that the dust created by gravel causes damage to structural integrity, complications with air quality, and, consequently, health problems.
They were hoping to determine whether or not recycled asphalt truly had environmental benefits.
They not only found that it is the “largest single recycling practice in the United States,” but that it saved over $300 million.
The study also concluded that gravel or loose roads without recycled asphalt created 147% more dust than those with recycled asphalt.
All-in-all, there is plenty of research showing the strength and eco-friendliness of recycled asphalt.
Where to Buy Recycled Asphalt/Asphalt Millings
To find local options, you can search for “Recycled Asphalt in (your state)” in your favorite search engine.
We list some regional options below.
Braen Stone
- Locations: Delivers in bulk in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia
- Where to get started: Find the exact location or contact information for asphalt millings and other driveway materials on the Braen Stone website.
Orlando Excavating
- Location: Florida
- Where to get started: Find the exact location or contact information for asphalt millings and other driveway materials on the Orlando Excavating website.
Black Rock Paving & Seal Coating, Inc.
- Location: Delaware
- Where to get started: Find the exact location or contact information for asphalt millings and other driveway materials on the Black Rock website.
The Rock Pile Landscaping Materials
- Location: Nebraska
- Where to get started: Find the exact location or contact information for asphalt millings and other driveway materials on the Rock Pile website.
Crushed Concrete/Stone Prices
The installation process for crushed concrete or stone costs much more money than the materials.
Most people spend between $2,205 to $5,760 on installing driveways as it is usually installed per square foot and requires various equipment; this typically includes the delivery fee as well.
Prices will vary depending on what kind of stone was crushed and/or where the material was quarried.
Crushed concrete and stone usually require two to four inches of depth for a driveway.
Average material costs are as follows:[2]
- Single-car driveway: $32 to $112
- Double-car driveway: $64 to $224
- Long double-car driveway: $80 to $280
We calculated costs by determining how many tons are needed based on average dimensions for a single driveway (20 ft length x 10 ft width), double driveway (20 ft length x 20 ft width), and long double driveway (25 ft length x 20 ft width), with a depth of three inches.
We then multiplied that number by the average low price of $10 per ton and $35 per ton to figure pricing; prices fluctuate depending on the company.
Important Considerations Before Using Crushed Stone/Concrete
Keep the following in mind before deciding to use crushed stone or concrete:
City Ordinances and HOA Rules
Again, be sure to know your specific HOA rules on paving with crushed concrete/stone, as they can vary from state to state and even neighborhood to neighborhood.
Most of the time, any Home Owner’s Associations simply want their neighborhood to look nice, so keep up-to-date with anything that needs fixing.
Some may even have regulations on the thickness of concrete or stone layers on your driveway.
Environmental Benefits
Because asphalt is a by-product of oil, concrete is technically “greener.”
However, there is no limit to the number of times asphalt can be recycled, while concrete and stone cannot necessarily be used as a “top” layer again.
They can be reused as a base or as fillers, but not as a newly recycled material.
Maintenance
Similar to asphalt, crushed concrete or stone is quite durable against trying weather, and it is very easy to maintain.
Tip: It isn’t recommended to fill in any holes that may appear; instead, it’s recommended that you add a new layer every few years to reinforce its strength.
Concrete will typically last about 20 to 40 years.
Weather Durability
Concrete doesn’t flex as asphalt does, so it can’t handle intense temperature fluctuations the way asphalt can.
Although it is generally durable, it’s important to consider this factor based on where you live.
Where to Buy Crushed Stone/Concrete
Perform a quick internet search for “Crushed Concrete in (your state).” Many times, you can find local quarries near you that sell crushed concrete.
We also list some regional options below.
Braen Stone
- Locations: Delivers in bulk in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia.
- Where to get started: Find the exact location or contact information for crushed stone/concrete and other driveway materials on the Braen Stone website.
Full Circle Recycle
- Location: Michigan
- Where to get started: Find the exact location or contact information for asphalt millings and other driveway materials on the Full Circle Recycle website.
Other Types of Driveway Materials
There are, of course, other options for paving a driveway.
The materials listed above are typically the most cost-effective regarding durability, attractiveness, and overall price.
Below, we will list other options based on their maintenance and cost.
From most to least expensive:
- Paver Driveway
- Concrete Driveway
- Asphalt Driveway
- Gravel Driveway
From most to least maintenance:
- Gravel Driveway
- Asphalt Driveway
- Concrete Driveway
- Paver Driveway
We advise you to research images to help you gauge the style you prefer and research companies close to you that sell materials.