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Shingle Recycling - Why We Do It


August 10, 2018

Recycling asphalt shingles has become more popular over the years, and for good reason. Recycled asphalt shingles can be used to make driveways, roads, and new roofing shingles. The process of recycling asphalt shingles is economically viable and saves valuable resources from going to waste.

Asphalt roofing shingles are composed of a felt mat that has been saturated with asphalt. Small pebbles are added on top of the asphalt for additional durability and resistance to the elements. The asphalt used in shingles is much denser than the asphalt used in pavement.

Additional materials contained in asphalt shingles include mineral filler from limestone, silica, dolomite, and other sources, as well ceramic-coated natural rocks the size of grains of sand, and the felt backing that the shingle is constructed on. Most of these materials are recyclable and can be repurposed for a variety of uses.

Sustainable Business Practices

As with all industrial materials, sustainability is a growing trend and need. In addition to reducing your immediate impact on the environment, recycling as much as possible is a key aspect of engaging in sustainable practices.

An estimated ten million tons of recyclable shingles are taken off of the roofs of buildings and homes in America each year. By choosing a roofing contractor that recycles used shingles, you help the environment by both ensuring your old shingles do not wind up in a landfill and allowing them to be repurposed as pavement at some point in the future.

Recycling Shingles is Economically Viable

In addition to the obvious environmental impacts, there are at least two major economic reasons to recycle old shingles as well.

For one, recycling your old shingles can increase economic growth in the recycling industry, meaning that additional jobs can be created as a result.

In addition, recycling shingles can lead to taxpayer savings. Recycled shingles can be acquired at reduced costs and used to create materials used for roads, which in turn saves taxpayers money on the costs of road creation, repair, and maintenance.

Not all contractors offer shingle recycling. If you choose to hire a contractor that does not offer shingle recycling, you will have to recycle leftover shingles at your own expense.

Recycling shingles reduces the growth of landfills, decreases dependence on fossil fuels, produces roads of higher quality, saves resources, and helps the economy. Asphalt shingle recycling also saves roofing contractors money due to the fact that it costs less to recycle asphalt shingles than it does to take them to the nearest landfill. Contractors then pass those savings on to you, the customer.

Recycle Your Asphalt Shingles

The reasons for recycling asphalt shingles are too numerous to count. Not only does recycling asphalt shingles help the environment, but recycling asphalt shingles also helps the economy in more ways than one. By using recycled materials, contractors cut down costs on new materials and transportation. Without having to transport old shingles to a landfill, additional time can be used for more productive tasks.

Not all contractors engage in asphalt shingle recycling. If you’re considering a new roof, be sure to choose a contractor that offers shingle recycling services.

Everyone saves money and the environment will thank you both. The world economy and ecology need more sustainable business practices like asphalt shingle recycling.



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