Old asphalt removed from Chilliwack roads is now being recycled and reused to fix potholes, making repairs more efficient and cost-effective. The City of Chilliwack has an asphalt recycler which is reducing the costs and environmental impact associated with the Operations Department鈥檚 patch and pothole repair program.
鈥淚n the past, when city crews removed old asphalt, it had to be transported to a disposal site, and new hot asphalt mix was purchased from external plants located outside of Chilliwack,鈥� according to the city. 鈥淣ow, when city crews remove old asphalt, they can use the asphalt recycler at the Bailey Landfill to recycle and rejuvenate old asphalt in a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible manner.鈥�
Asphalt is reheated and reused with the recycler, and since it doesn鈥檛 have to be transported outside of Chilliwack, it allows crews to complete pothole repairs and patches faster. It reduces delays caused by transportation requirements, external plant schedules, seasonal shutdowns, or supply shortages.