Asphalt Shingle Recycling

Did You Know?

A “Green” Benefit of Asphalt Shingles

  • Informed homeowners and building owners are aware of the many benefits of asphalt shingles.
  • They are affordable, durable and come in numerous styles, shapes, textures and colors to fit any design aesthetic.
  • But not everyone is aware of their sustainability benefit: asphalt shingles are recyclable!

 

What is Asphalt Shingle Recycling?

  • When shingles are torn off of an existing roof system, they can be taken to a recycling center.
  • This prevents the waste from being sent to a landfill.
  • Homeowners and building owners should talk to their roofing contractor about shingle recycling practices to ensure that old shingles are recycled.

 

 

What Are Recycled Shingles Used For?

  • Recycled shingles are most often used for paving projects, including public roads, driveways and parking lots.
  • According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), 673,000 tons of reclaimed asphalt shingles (RAS) were used in new asphalt pavement mixes in the U.S. in 2022.

Paving the Way

  • The NAPA Asphalt Pavement Industry (NAPA) indicated that the use of both manufacturing waste and recycled shingles in asphalt mixtures increased approximately 7 percent from 2021.
  • It is estimated approximately 99 million dollars’ worth of virgin asphalt and aggregate was preserved by recycling manufacturing waste and asphalt shingles.

 

 

How Does ARMA Support Shingle Recycling?

  • Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) members participate in and support the advancement of shingle recycling within the industry by researching and reporting on other applications of recycled shingle content.
  • As the voice of asphalt roofing manufacturers, ARMA also works closely with NAPA and the Asphalt Institute (AI) to expand the use of RAS in paving.

How Can I Learn More?

  • Shingle recycling is available in the United States and in some locations in Canada, and new sites continue to open.
  • To see if your area offers shingle recycling, you can check online at www.earth911.com and www.shinglerecycling.org.
  • Visit asphaltroofing.org for more information on shingle recycling and on the other sustainable benefits of asphalt shingles like cool roofing.

 

 

 

 

On August 28, 2024   /   Fast Facts, Residential