Can You Recycle Roofing Shingles?

As people push towards greater sustainability and environmental responsibility, these habits are driving homeowners to talk about going green with their home, and the exteriors industry is no exception. Homeowners who are seeking roof replacement, new siding or windows, or any other home renovation project are asking how they can become more eco-friendly.

When it comes to roofing, there are ways in which you can go green; one of those ways is through recycling the shingles and materials leftover from your old roof. Which types of materials are recyclable? Find out if your roofing materials can be put to use after they have spent their life protecting your home.

Are Asphalt Shingles Recyclable?

In general, most types of asphalt shingles are recyclable, which is nice because they are the most common roofing material and tend to have the shortest lifespan. While you can’t just dump your shingles into your personal recycling bin, there are places that accept them across the country. You can check these websites ( www.shinglerecycling.org and www.earth911.com) or you can call 1-800-CLEANUP to find out more about recycling your asphalt shingles. Also, keep in mind that recycling services charge for this service.

Be sure to ask your roofing contractor to not haul the shingles away if you choose to recycle them. What are recycled asphalt shingles used for? They are generally ground up and used to help pave roads. Best of all, you don’t have to worry about pulling out all the nails. Shingle recyclers use powerful magnets to remove them before the shingles are ground down and reused.

Can Concrete or Clay Tiles Be Recycled? 

If you have concrete or clay tiles on your roof, they can also be recycled. These types of tiles are generally ground down and reused as gravel in various construction projects such as landscaping or materials in sidewalks and other walking paths.

As with asphalt shingles, recycling clay tiles requires finding a facility that will accept them. Unfortunately, these types of facilities are far less common than those that accept asphalt shingles. They do exist, you just have to seek them out.

Can Wood Shakes Be Recycled?

When it comes to cedar and other types of wood roofing shakes, recycling is a bit more tricky. There aren’t any formal recycling centers that accept wood shakes for reuse, so you will have to find ways to recycle or reuse them yourself. Some ways you can reuse them include:

  1. Grinding them down yourself to make wood chips for landscaping
  2. Donating them to churches, artists or other organizations that can use them for various projects.

Can Metal Roofing Be Recycled?

Not only is most metal roofing recyclable, it’s also generally made from recycled materials already. When you consider the fact that metal roofing lasts longer than any other type of material, it truly is the best eco-friendly roofing option.

 

Need Help Choosing the Right Material for Your Roofing Project? Contact Schmidt Roofing for a Free Estimate and Consultation Today.

 

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