Circular economy: Adopted regulation on the use of scraped asphalt

In order to reduce the use of natural resources, especially stone, the Government adopted the Decree on the use of scraped asphalt during the reconstruction and rehabilitation of public roads. Large amounts of this resource are found in landfills, so its use will contribute to the preservation of the environment.

Illustration (Photo: Pixabay)

According to Siniša Mitrović, head of the Center for Circular Economy of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, scraped asphalt contains as much as 97% stone, which makes it extremely suitable for recycling and production of new asphalt.

This will provide an opportunity to reduce the depletion of natural resources and preservation of biodiversity because stone exploitation often endangers underground and surface water.

Mitrović also emphasizes the economic benefits of this approach. Estimates show that investments in asphalt recycling equipment will amount to close to 10 million euros, which opens up opportunities for the development of domestic road companies.

In addition, on a network of 44,000 kilometers of roads in rural areas, as well as roads along gas pipelines, wind farms and protected natural zones, the application of the cold recycling technique eliminates the emission of harmful volatile substances. Expected annual savings in the state budget exceed 100 million euros.

The Serbian Chamber of Commerce has been working on this initiative since 2018, involving experts from domestic and foreign companies, as well as the academic community. A team of experts also drafted the Rulebook on the use of scraped asphalt, which was sent to the line ministries for adoption.