FAQs | Pavement Recyclers
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is all left over asphalt recyclable?

Yes, any asphalt is 100% recyclable. This includes chunks, millings, leftover plant tailings, etc. Even a small amount of rock, dirt or sand in the mix will not affect the quality of the mix. (More on this later!)

Q. Is it true that asphalt is the most recycled material in North America?

Absolutely! There are about 73 million tons recycled annually, according to the Federal Highway Administration. That’s nearly twice as much as paper, glass, aluminum and plastics – combined! But still a far cry from what’s produced each year, so we have some work to do…

Q. Why is it called RAP?

RAP is an industry standard acronym for “reclaimed asphalt pavement”. Typically any asphalt pavement that has been torn up, milled or stripped can be defined as RAP.

Q. How is asphalt recycled with a Bagela Asphalt Recycler?

Once loaded into a Bagela Asphalt Recycler, RAP (chunks, millings or combinations) is tumbled through a series of flights and paddles, while indirect heat breaks down the material. The entire process takes about 6 minutes to recycle one ton of high quality mix. The Bagela recycler is a continuous-flow process – meaning no batching or stopping the process to load or unload. Ten to twelve tons per hour is easily achievable as a result.

Q. What are the true cost savings using a Bagela Asphalt Recycler?

This is a multi-part answer. Here it is in a nutshell:

  • Convenience – Anytime, anywhere! You have access to permanent hot mix asphalt where you need it, when you need it. Plants closing are no longer an issue.
  • Cost savings – Refer to our cost savings analysis elsewhere on this site. Fully loaded costs for recycling high quality asphalt are under $25 per ton. What are you paying for plant mix today? Don’t forget to add your trucking and labor costs.
  • Tipping fees – In many areas of the country, tipping fees for waste RAP are becoming the norm. Some are as high as $20 per ton! By recycling, you keep that money where it belongs – in your pocket.
Q. What can I expect is typical asphalt content (AC) of existing RAP?

Independent lab studies have found that AC content is usually around 4-6%. Sound high? Think about it, most RAP being taken up today is usually 5-30 years old. Overall quality of AC was much greater then! Also, AC content varies greatly around the country. This is usually dependent on supply, base aggregate and climate conditions.

Q. How much AC or Emulsion has to be added?

Zero. None. The Bagela Asphalt Recycler is the only recycler on the market that uses indirect heat to recycle. What does this really mean? No open flame, no AC burn-off. What goes in, comes back out…100%.

Q. What about Rejuvinators?

The material our customers have experienced the most success with is a three-part bonded pellet. It consists of a base of recycled, shredded tire that is soaked in AC and coated with limestone. It contains just under 60% actual AC! Adding it to a load of RAP is as simple throwing a 5-pound bag into the bucket of the loader before loading the recycler. Because of the Bagela indirect-heat technology, the material does not incinerate once inside the mixing drum.

Q. This Rejuvinator, is it expensive?

Typically it adds less than $5 per ton to your recycling costs. Keep in mind – it is optional, especially if your recycling program contains an ample amount of chunk RAP!

Q. Is asphalt recycling good for the environment?

Absolutely. Think about it: The typical asphalt plant runs between 10-30% RAP in their virgin mix today. That means for every mill and fill, 70-90% of reclaimed RAP is going…somewhere?! By recycling, we’re removing this oil-covered aggregate from landfills and waste facilities all over the country. Take a closer look at our sustainable study and the greenhouse gas emissions study on our site.

Q. As a municipal official, how does recycling asphalt benefit my taxpayers?

There are over 100 municipalities in North America that use a Bagela Asphalt Recycler as part of their road maintenance programs. Their reasons for purchasing include cost savings as a result of not needing to buy or use cold patch, as well as being able to recycle existing, growing stockpiles of RAP. Please refer to our municipality cost savings analysis to see what real cost savings looks like.

Q. So it's recycled, how does it hold up? Callbacks are expensive!

Once you understand material management techniques and the proper operation of the Bagela recycler, recycled hot mix typically performs as well as, or in many cases better, than local plant mix.

Q. This all sounds good, so why choose a Bagela Asphalt Recycler?

The Bagela Asphalt Recycler is the only proven recycler on the market. There are over 2,000 in operation worldwide – more than every other “recycler”…combined! Why is this important? Proven design, proven results. The overall design of Bagela recycler is quite simple, hydraulic over mechanical operation, minimal electronics and wear items. The Bagela recycler is portable and self-contained. There are no time-consuming setup or shutdown procedures. Even in the coldest climates, recycled hot mix is ready in less than 20 minutes from initial start-up!

Bagela Asphalt Recyclers are also backed by a dealership network that spans North America. Product demonstrations, sales, parts and service are just a phone call away.