William LipovskyGoing 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.
Table of Contents
Recycled Asphalt Cost (Also Known as Asphalt Millings)
- Average cost for single car driveway (low and high): $30-$255
- Average cost for double car driveway (low and high): $60-$511
- Average cost for long double car driveway (low and high): $75-$639
- Other Important Information Regarding Cost:
- The cost is typically between $7-$15 per ton depending on recycling company and percentage of recycled asphalt but can fluctuate to about $60. New asphalt can cost $100-$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 $2,205-5,760 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.
*Costs calculated by determining how many tons 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). Then multiplied 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
- Possible 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.
- Environmental benefits: It’s always better to recycle! In buying asphalt millings, you’re helping by not creating any new materials (asphalt is not biodegradable, and can’t break down if it’s simply tossed into landfills). In other words: totally eco-friendly!
- How to Maintain It: Recycled asphalt is tremendously easy to maintain. If you buy millings, you can expect very little refinishing, resurfacing, or replacing. Although, all driveways require some maintenance from time to time depending on the situation. It’s also known to create much less dust and mud as opposed to other options. Overall, recycled asphalt is a great option for the person who is concerned with easy and cheap upkeep.
- Weather Durability and Considerations: 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. It is a great pick for the person concerned with weather durability.
- How Long it Will Last: About 20-30 years
- Other Information:
- 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
- Perform a quick Google search for “Recycled Asphalt in (your state)”
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
- Average cost for single car driveway (low and high): $32-$112
- Average cost for double car driveway (low and high): $64-224
- Average cost for long double car driveway (low and high): $80-280
- Other Important Information Regarding Cost:
- The installation process itself costs much more money. Most people spend between $2,205-5,760 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.
*Costs calculated by determining how many tons 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. Then multiplied 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
- Possible City Ordinances and HOA Restrictions: 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.
- How to Maintain It: Similar to the asphalt, crushed concrete or stone is quite durable against trying weather, and it is very easy to maintain. Tip: It is not 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.
- Weather Durability and Considerations: Concrete doesn’t flex as asphalt does, so it can’t handle extreme temperature fluctuations the way asphalt can. Although it is generally durable, it’s important to consider this factor based on where you live.
- How Long it Will Last: About 20-40 years. It’s said that it typically lasts longer than asphalt.
Where to Buy Crushed Stone/Concrete
- Perform a quick Google search for “Crushed Concrete in (your state).” Many times, you can find local quarries near you that sell crushed concrete.
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.
Joe’s Landscaping Supplies
- Location: Washington
- Where to get started: Find the exact location or contact information for asphalt millings and other driveway materials on the Joe’s Landscaping 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.
Most Expensive Materials to Least Expensive
- Paver Driveway
- Concrete Driveway
- Asphalt Driveway
- Gravel Driveway
Needs Most Maintenance to Needs 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.
In Summary
As you now know, recycled asphalt and crushed stone/concrete can be excellent alternatives to using brand new materials. Be sure to calculate all factors, like maintenance and repairs. Because crushed concrete prices and recycled asphalt prices may be fairly low, but it’s important to think long-term. Regardless of your choice, be sure to find a company to install it who will do it right the first time and lay down a reliable driveway for you. For more on the process of how to make recycled asphalt hard, see our article.
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