How Are Old Asphalt Shingles Recycled?

Each year, old asphalt shingles from countless roof replacement projects contribute to a substantial amount of construction and demolition waste. In the past, this debris would likely end up in a landfill, but as the demand for sustainable solutions grows stronger, recycling old shingles has become a practical and environmentally friendly alternative. In this blog post, trusted residential roofing company Pressure Point Roofing, Inc. provides an overview of how asphalt shingles are recycled.

The Journey from Roof to Road

Upon removal from a roof, shingles can be repurposed rather than discarded. Shingles can begin their second life by being transported to dedicated recycling centers. These centers divert old shingles from clogging landfills and prepare them for their next use instead.

The recycling process begins with grinding the asphalt shingles into smaller pieces. This is a crucial step to facilitate the shingles’ integration into new materials. The size of the particles is largely determined by their future application; larger chunks may be used for roads’ base layers, while finer particles often go into surface layers.

From Shingles to Pavements

Recycled asphalt shingles from your roof repair or replacement primarily find their new purpose in paving projects, from public roads to driveways and parking lots. The National Asphalt Pavement Association notes the incorporation of reclaimed asphalt shingle material in new pavement mixes, illustrating a growing trend toward utilizing this recycled product. Such use is not only good for the planet but also potentially lowers the costs of infrastructure projects.

The Environmental and Economic Benefits

Recycling asphalt shingles has a dual benefit: it protects the environment and provides economic advantages. Asphalt is a by-product of petroleum, and recycling shingles keeps this non-renewable resource in use longer. Moreover, reusing the material can lead to savings on road repairs and infrastructure development, an advantage that extends to taxpayers and municipalities alike. 

Advancing Recycling Efforts in Central Point, OR

Organizations like the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) and industry leaders actively foster the progress of shingle recycling, which is particularly relevant to communities such as Central Point, Oregon. Here, the push for sustainable roofing is part and parcel of the wider environmental efforts championed by various stakeholders.

Learn More About Shingle Recycling

Embracing asphalt shingle recycling presents a prime opportunity to actively contribute to a greener future. As this practice becomes more commonplace, the negative impacts of construction and demolition waste can be mitigated. 

Are you planning to replace your roof in Medford, OR or the nearby areas in Oregon? Trust Pressure Point Roofing, Inc.! You can also consult our team about the possibility and advantages of recycling your old shingles for a more sustainable future. For more information, call (541) 772-1945, or fill out our contact form to schedule a roof maintenance and repair appointment.