How to Recycle Your Asphalt Shingles

Looking to get rid of your asphalt shingles, but not really sure what to do with them? One option is to just toss them all in the garbage, where they’ll eventually end up in a landfill. Of course, the more sustainable route is to look into recycling your shingles, which more and more homeowners are starting to do.

If you’re interested in repurposing your shingles, here is a helpful guide in which we’ll discuss the benefits of this alternative, the process, and different ways you can use recycled asphalt shingles.

The Benefits (Eco-Friendly and Cost Efficient)

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 11 million tons of used shingles are landfilled each year. As mentioned, recycling your shingles is a great way to lesson your carbon footprint and to help out the environment. Instead of your shingles sitting in a massive landfill, your shingles will find a new purpose elsewhere. As an added bonus, recycling your asphalt shingles will almost always be cheaper than having them taken to a landfill. In fact, in some instances, you may find that a roofing company will recycle them for free! Not only are you doing your part to create a more sustainable world, but you’re also saving money.

The Process – Recycling Your Shingles

Recycling your shingles is a simple and easy process, as a contractor will take care of it.  Just make sure that before you decide on a roofing contractor, you ask them beforehand if they are able to recycle your shingles. Some contractors will not recycle them because they simply choose not to, or there isn’t a shingle recycling facility in the area.

If this is a DIY job, make sure you take the necessary precautions, as well as our guide to doing your own roofing. A few things to remember:

-Make sure you can handle the job. Sure, you may save some money if you do it yourself, but will the results be as good as you want them to be?

-Consider how long it will take and whether or not you have the time to finish with a busy schedule.

-Nail gun safety. Make sure that you know how to properly use these tools.

Make sure you are properly equipped and have the following equipment that will be necessary for the job: Eye protection, guardrails, helmet, ladder stabilizer, lanyard, netting, roof anchors, roof brackets, rope, safety harness, scaffolding, work gloves

What Will Happen to My Shingles?

So, once you’re shingles have been recycled, what happens to them? Well, because they are made of asphalt, it makes sense that they are turned into materials to make asphalt pavements. Ground-up shingles are typically added to the pavement and in many cases may actually improve the quality. Other uses include using the material as an input to make roofing products or road maintenance products, or to produce energy.

Northface Construction: Your Go-To Roofing Company

As the premier roofing contractor of choice in the Twin Cities, we differentiate ourselves from competitors with our approach to the roofing process. Because each client has different needs, we develop custom solutions for each each project. We work for you and we deliver the best results possible and make sure that you’re with us every step of the way by communicating with you throughout the process.

Our approach stems from informing, consulting and delivering. We will listen to your needs and suggest the proper product to fit your budget and features you are looking to get out of your roofing system. From the customizable solutions for executive shingles to a standard 3 tab shingle we can educate and consult you on a vast range of products. Each has its own features, advantages and benefits to fit each client. We are highly trained and educated on different products, as well as with installation experience and consulting experience. We use that knowledge to help educate our clients on what products would serve their needs the best for the budget that fits them.

Contact Northface Construction today to get started on your new roofing project.