A coalition of nine major construction-related industry organizations is calling on Ontario to more than double its use of recycled crushed aggregates (RCA) in public infrastructure projects to increase sustainability.
One member of the coalition, the Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA), estimates that RCA accounts for less than 7% of the 180 million tonnes of aggregates used annually in Ontario for projects involving roads, highways, bridges and subdivisions. The coalition argues that increasing RCA use to a minimum of 20% would cut costs, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable construction, without compromising quality or durability.
Recycled crushed aggregates are often created by reclaiming concrete and asphalt that would otherwise end up in landfills. Rigorously tested, the coalition says these materials have demonstrated durability and effectiveness in major infrastructure projects.
Early estimates from the coalition suggest that local governments could save more than $260 million by reaching 20% RCA use, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 15 million cars from the road annually.
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“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,” announced Raly Chakarova, TARBA’s executive director. “Using more recycled materials in construction projects can preserve non-renewable resources, reduce waste and traffic congestion, and contribute to long-term sustainability.”
The coalition is calling on Ontario to include the use of RCA in tenders for construction projects, as well as harmonize municipal specifications for RCA through provincial standards.
Patrick McManus, executive director of the Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association, says that incorporating recycled crushed aggregates into municipal infrastructure projects reduces construction waste and conserves natural resources.
“It’s a sustainable approach to building roads and transitways that reduces construction-related greenhouse gas emissions and truck-related congestion on our roads. The benefits are simply too good to ignore,” says McManus.
Among the organizations calling for the increase are Concrete Ontario, Good Roads, Ontario Road Builders Association (ORBA), and the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO).
Related Professional Development Course
Learn about relevant environmental regulations and compliance strategies for construction and aggregate operations, and connect with expert speakers at the “Environmental Compliance for the Aggregate and Construction Industries” training course at CANECT 2025 on April 29.
The CANECT 2025 Environmental Compliance and Due Diligence Training Event takes place April 29 – May 1, 2025 in Vaughan, Ontario. Visit www.canect.net for more information.
