Material selection for the right-of-way is crucial for creating infrastructure that is both sustainable and resilient. Choosing sustainable materials helps reduce environmental impact through lower carbon emissions, resource conservation, and recyclability—supporting long-term environmental goals.
To further these goals, NYC DOT is advancing sustainable street resurfacing by integrating recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), warm mix asphalt, and other advanced materials. NYC DOT's current asphalt mixes contain 40% recycled content—double the national average. In FY24, DOT incorporated over 256,000 tons of recycled asphalt into its pavement production. Repurposing old pavement reduces the need for new materials and landfill waste, while improving efficiency and cutting environmental impacts from mining and transport.
DOT’s in-house asphalt plants produce material with an average of 40% RAP content, helping avoid two million truck miles annually—reducing congestion, emissions, and road wear. Warm mix asphalt, which is applied at lower temperatures, further reduces energy use and emissions while improving pavement performance and extending the paving season.
DOT recently began producing asphalt mixes with up to 50% recycled content. In fall 2024, DOT began testing this mix in six locations across Brooklyn. This effort builds on the 2022 Staten Island pilot that used recycled plastic and RAP to divert 214,000 plastic bottles from landfills and reduce carbon emissions by 16,000 pounds. DOT continues to evaluate pilot outcomes for cost, performance, and feasibility, with the goal of scaling up successful materials. Learn more at the Sustainable Street Resurfacing page.
DOT also offers quality Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) to private industry and community projects. The RCA Bank supports material reuse by providing an alternative to new aggregate for use beneath roadways and sidewalks—furthering the City’s circular construction goals.
Improving the sustainability of materials used in city infrastructure boosts resilience against climate change impacts such as heavy rain, flooding, and extreme heat. Materials like porous pavements and recycled aggregates extend the lifespan of infrastructure, lower maintenance costs, and help New York City meet both environmental and economic objectives.
Projects located in flood-prone areas may require additional material considerations. Refer to the latest version of the NYC Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines for guidance.