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Most building materials are aggregates, which means they’re formed using several different types of elements. Before you start building, you must decide between virgin and recycled aggregates. Hilltop Basic Resources in Cincinnati, OH, offers a wide selection of aggregates, including gravel and limestone. Here, they explain the difference between virgin and recycled materials.

What Are They?

Virgin aggregates are newly mined materials, such as sand, rock, stone, and gravel, that are used as building supplies for different projects. Virgin materials can be bought from a local mine, but many mining companies also ship them to the specified project site. Recycled aggregates, on the other hand, are made from existing materials. For example, concrete from a demolition site can be crushed and recycled and used as gravel.

How They Differ

gravelWhile there are some differences in cost and environmental impact, virgin and recycled aggregates are virtually identical in durability and strength. Virgin materials have a bigger impact on the environment because mining them involves digging up the land. It also requires the use of natural resources to extract and process the aggregates for construction use.

On the other hand, the production of recycled aggregates conserves resources and reduces the buildup of landfills. The materials are already there, and they just have to be processed to the proper specifications. Generally, virgin materials are more expensive than recycled aggregates. Since the cost of mining is higher, a company that offers recycled materials can pass the savings on to the consumer.

If you’re looking for virgin or recycled gravel, give the friendly team at Hilltop Basic Resources a call at (513) 684-8200. They can assist you with all your building material needs. Their goal is to provide high-quality aggregates for their customers while making the safety of their employees a top priority. Visit the website to learn more about the different products they offer.

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