Media Contact
Amie Goscinski
ARMA Director of Marketing & Communications
(443) 640-1075 x1144 | agoscinski@asphaltroofing.org
Forest Hill, MD (November 13, 2024) – The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) recently released a new technical bulletin, “Low-Slope Asphalt Roofing Recycling,” aimed at advancing discussions and implementation of recycling practices in the low-slope roofing and recycling industries. The bulletin highlights the potential of recycling asphaltic roof membranes, particularly those used in commercial roofing, and is expected to spark interest in this relatively underexplored area.
“The bulletin is designed to inform and educate our industry partners about low-slope asphalt roofing products and the potential benefits that await those who can successfully repurpose or recycle these materials,” stated Aaron R. Phillips, ARMA Vice President of Technical Services. “The promotion of low-slope asphalt roofing recycling aligns with ARMA’s broader aspiration to reduce landfill disposal of asphalt-based roofing materials to 50% by 2035 and to approach 0% by 2050.”
Low-slope asphalt roofing systems, such as built-up roofing (BUR) and modified bitumen (MB), are commonly found on commercial and industrial buildings. These durable systems contain high-value asphalt, which can be repurposed for road construction and other uses, reducing disposal costs for building owners and creating economic and environmental benefits.
Developed by a task force of ARMA member companies, the bulletin addresses challenges and opportunities for expanding low-slope asphalt roofing recycling in North America.
“The relative quality and quantity of asphalt in low-slope membranes, which too often end up in landfills, could be repurposed and recycled, probably most easily into paving applications,” said Steven Wadding, Task Force Chair. “It is our mission that this ARMA Bulletin will enlighten and inspire roofing contractors, recyclers, and any potential source using repurposed asphalt to work together so each can benefit from this as yet untapped opportunity.”
While Europe has made strides in recycling these materials, North America is just beginning to explore the possibilities. Recyclers can collaborate with roofing manufacturers and contractors to assess the availability of low-slope asphalt materials, while contractors can help by separating asphalt components during replacement and discussing recycling with building owners. Together, they can make informed decisions that divert valuable materials from landfills.
To review the technical bulletin, visit https://www.asphaltroofing.org/low-slope-asphalt-roofing-recycling/
About ARMA:
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is a trade association representing North America’s asphalt roofing manufacturing companies and their raw material suppliers. The association includes the majority of North American manufacturers of asphalt shingles and asphalt low-slope roof membrane systems. Information that ARMA gathers on modern asphalt roofing materials and practices is provided to building and code officials, as well as to regulatory agencies and allied trade groups. Committed to advances in the asphalt roofing industry, ARMA is proud of the role it plays in promoting asphalt roofing to those in the building industry and to the public.
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