Abstract: An asphalt binder blend includes a mixture of new and/or recycled asphalt cement and brown grease, wherein the brown grease has a free fatty acid (FFA) level greater than about 40% w/w, preferably greater than about 75% w/w. A volatile fraction of the brown grease may be removed, and the brown grease may be polymerized. An asphalt pavement material and a method of preparation thereof, wherein the asphalt pavement material includes a mixture of new and/or recycled aggregate and the asphalt binder blend including brown grease.

Abstract: A hot-mix asphalt manufacturing system includes a counter-flow rotary dryer having a combustion chamber, an inlet for dry ingredients, an outlet for hot-mix asphalt, and a pollution control device. The pollution control system includes a pre-filter, a cooling device and a fiber bed filter. Combustion gases from the combustion chamber are directed onto the ingredients for the hot-mix asphalt without substantial introduction of excess air or recirculated air and contact the hot-mix asphalt at a temperature substantially equal to the temperature of the combustion gases. The pollution control system removes substantially all particulates and hydrocarbons from the emissions from the hot-mix asphalt ingredients.