How to Recycle Asphalt Roof Shingles

Recycled asphalt shingles are used to make and repair roads.

Approximately two-thirds of roof shingles in the United States are made of asphalt, the Northeast Recycling Council estimates. Discarded asphalt shingles take up landfill space and pollute the environment, releasing carcinogenic hydrocarbons into the ground, according to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Reusing or recycling asphalt shingles reduces landfill mass and pollution. Recycling companies process asphalt shingles for use in hot-mix, which is used make and repair roads.

Instructions

1. Donate used asphalt shingles that are still in good condition to other people or organizations. Some environmentally conscious builders construct roofs with used shingles. To donate the shingles, place an advertisement in the classified section of your local newspaper or on an online material exchange.

2. Hire a roofing company that participates in an asphalt shingle recycling program. This way, the roofing company does all the recycling work for you.

3. Locate an asphalt shingle recycling company in your state. Contact the recycling company and inquire about its specific asphalt shingle recycling rules. For example, some recycling companies require you to remove metal and wood from the shingles.

4. Prepare the asphalt shingles for recycling according to the specifications (for example, removing nails) and deliver them to the recycling company.

Tips & Warnings

• The Northeast Recycling Council warns, "Since recycling of asbestos-tainted materials is prohibited by federal law, processors must test shingle loads in accordance with state and local requirements." Some recycling companies may charge you a fee to cover the testing costs.

References

• Northeast Recycling Council: Asphalt Shingles Waste Managment in the Northeast Fact Sheet
• State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection: Green Building - Managment of Residential Contruction Waste for the Single Family Home Building Contractor

Resources

• Reuse Marketplace: Materials Marketplace Exchange
• Freecycle: Materials Exchange
• ShingleRecycling.org: List of Shingle Recyclers by State