Ontario construction leaders say recycling road materials could save millions
Recycled crushed aggregates can alleviate project backlogs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
A coalition of Ontario civil infrastructure leaders, builders, suppliers, and engineers haves launched a campaign to urge government leaders to adopt policy changes that will increase sustainability in the construction of public infrastructure projects.
The group has pointed out that a government mandate to include just 20 percent of recycled crushed aggregates (RCA) for critical construction projects like roads, subdivisions, highways, bridges, and tunnels can save local governments more than $260 million, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the equivalent of removing 15 million cars from the road annually.
RCA can pave the way for sustainability in construction
RCA is made from reclaimed concrete and asphalt that would otherwise end up in landfills. By using it for upcoming infrastructure projects, RCA offers significant economic advantages for municipalities struggling to address a growing state of road repair backlog and the infrastructure investments needed to keep up with population growth. The coalition includes nine industry organizations that advocate the economic and environmental benefits of using RCA.
Provincial standards and extensive testing have shown RCA to be as high-performing as primary aggregate, and the material already has a proven track record in Ontario, including in the 400-series highways, Pearson International Airport, house-enabling infrastructure in subdivisions, and Greater Toronto Area transit projects.
"Recycled aggregates are cost-effective, sustainable, and high-performing and can help municipalities deliver more from their capital plans while helping to reach their net-zero targets," said Raly Chakarova, executive director of the Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA).
"Using more recycled materials in construction projects can preserve non-renewable resources, reduce waste and traffic congestion, and contribute to long-term sustainability."
Professionals involved in the coalition
There are nine industry organizations part of the coalition that are pushing for the use of RCA through policies are regulations:
- Concrete Ontario
- Good Roads
- Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (GTSWCA)
- Heavy Civil Association of Toronto (HCAT)
- Ontario Road Builders Association (ORBA)
- Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO)
- Ontario Sand, Stone, and Gravel Association (OSSGA)
- Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE), and
- Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA).
