Are Roofing Shingles Recyclable?
A common question that we get asked is, “are roofing shingles recyclable?”. The short answer is yes, they absolutely are! Not all shingles are recyclable, but we make it our effort to ensure that all the old shingles we dispose of that can be recycled, are. This is how NH Grand Roofs is Roofing Responsibly!
Commitment to Roofing Responsibly.
Shingles do not return to the earth when disposed of in landfills. For starters, older shingles – specifically those made prior to 1989 – may contain harmful carcinogens, like asbestos. They do not break down in the presence of sunlight due to their chemical composition which is why they can remain in landfills for hundreds of years without decomposing. Which is why NH Grand Roofs is a Roofing Responsibly Contractor. We are committed to the sustainable management of construction materials to avoid excess waste going into landfills.
How to Recycle Shingles.
There are a variety of ways in which shingles can be recycled. The most common way asphalt shingles are repurposed is by using them in the making of hot mix asphalt. On average, your standard sized home can pave roughly 200 feet on a two-lane highway. It is also estimated that if we were to recycle 11 million tons of asphalt shingle waste each year, it would be the equivalent to taking roughly 164,880 passenger vehicles off the road for one year or saving the energy use of 83,140 homes for one year.
But how exactly do you know if your old asphalt shingles can be recycled or not? If the shingles are being disposed of by your roofing contractor, then they will handle this process on your behalf. If you are disposing of old shingles on your own, it is important to note that there are different types of shingles that have been used over the past couple of decades. Begin by contacting your local recycling facility or transfer station to ensure the type of shingles you have will be accepted. If you are not sure where your nearest recycling center is, we recommend using Earth911 to locate your nearest facility.
Do you need assistance with recycling your old shingles? Call us at (603) 552-7152 or email NH Grand Roofs for more information. We can also provide you with free pricing for your roof replacement. Our team proudly serves homeowners and businesses in Southern and Central New Hampshire.
