♻️recycled

Recycled Concrete

Name: Clean Fill Network
Price range: Free
Rating: 4.8

Eco-friendly crushed concrete aggregate for base & fill

Typical Price:$10 - $25/ton

Find Recycled Concrete Near You Calculate How Much You Need

What is Recycled Concrete?

Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is produced by crushing concrete from demolished buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures. It's an environmentally sustainable alternative to virgin aggregate that diverts construction waste from landfills while providing excellent performance.

RCA typically contains concrete, morite, and sometimes small amounts of other materials like brick or asphalt. Quality RCA is processed to remove rebar, wood, and other contaminants.

**Benefits of using recycled concrete:** - Diverts construction waste from landfills - Reduces demand for virgin aggregate - Lower cost than new crushed stone - Equivalent performance for many applications - Supports sustainable construction practices - LEED certification points available

Common Uses for Recycled Concrete

Road and driveway base

Parking lot sub-base

Foundation backfill

Drainage layer

Pipe bedding

Erosion control

Temporary roads

Fill material

Advantages

Environmentally sustainable
Lower cost than virgin aggregate
Excellent compaction properties
Good drainage
Reduces landfill waste
May qualify for LEED credits
Widely available

Considerations

May contain small debris
Appearance less uniform
pH can affect some plants
Not accepted everywhere
Quality varies by source
May have size inconsistencies

✓ Best For

Driveway bases
Parking lot construction
Road sub-base
Drainage projects
Sustainable construction

✗ Not Recommended For

Decorative applications
Near acid-loving plants
Finished surfaces
Structural concrete

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycled concrete as good as new aggregate?

For many applications, yes. RCA performs equally well for road bases, backfill, and drainage. It compacts well and provides stable support. However, it's not typically used in structural concrete or as exposed surface material.

Can recycled concrete be used for driveways?

Yes, RCA makes excellent driveway base material. Use 4-6 inches of compacted RCA as sub-base, then top with crushed gravel or asphalt. Some use RCA as the finished surface, though gravel provides a better appearance.

Does recycled concrete affect plant growth?

RCA is highly alkaline (pH 8-12), which can affect acid-loving plants. Keep RCA away from gardens, tree roots, and landscaping. It's best used in hardscape applications or covered with topsoil if plants are nearby.

Is recycled concrete environmentally safe?

Yes, properly processed RCA is inert and safe. It must be free of hazardous materials, lead paint, and asbestos. Reputable suppliers test material and provide documentation of compliance.