Why It Matters
Considering the amount of asphalt content in a shingle, the benefits of repurposing these common construction leftovers rather than tossing them in the landfill become pretty obvious.
By using recycled shingles, asphalt producers can offset some of the virgin oil necessary to produce their mix — reducing both cost and environmental impact, Haus explains.
Shingle recycling also offers scores of benefits to roofing contractors. Depending on a state’s landfill tipping fees, recycling costs either the same or less than landfilling shingles. Becoming a roofing contractor that recycles is also good for business, Haus says, as consumers are more likely to choose a contractor that recycles than one who doesn’t.
“Instead of landfilling, we can put [shingles] to an alternative use,” he says. “Instead of bearing that 18 to 24 percent oil content of the material, we can put it to good use, and that’s really the goal of what we’re trying to do.”
For more information on shingle recycling or to find a certified contractor near you, visit the Owens Corning shingle recycling website or CDRA’s ShingleRecycling.org.
Editor’s Note: Earth911 partners with many industries, manufacturers and organizations to support its Recycling Directory, the largest in the nation, which is provided to consumers at no cost. Owens Corning is one of these partners.