How to Recycle Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt roofing shingles containing valuable liquid asphalt binder, fiberglass or cellulose fibers, and mineral aggregates from residential and commercial roofing projects. The US generates 11-13 million tons annually with only 10% currently recycled, representing enormous environmental and economic opportunity as recycled shingles reduce road construction costs and carbon footprint by up to 15%.
- 1Remove all nails, screws, and metal flashing using magnetic separation or manual sorting
- 2Separate asphalt shingles from wood shakes, metal roofing, and other materials
- 3Remove gutters, chimneys, vents, and non-shingle roofing components
- 4Keep materials dry to prevent mold growth and processing complications
- 5Separate architectural shingles from standard 3-tab varieties when possible
- 6Remove any tar paper, underlayment, or roofing felt attached to shingles
- 7Load into covered trucks to prevent weather exposure during transport
- 8Sort by shingle type and age - newer materials have higher processing value
- 9Remove loose granules and debris that can contaminate recycling equipment
- 10Process during cooler months when possible - heat makes asphalt sticky and difficult
- Asphalt plants and hot-mix producers with grinding capabilities
- Road construction contractors using recycled asphalt shingle (RAS) programs
- Specialized shingle recycling facilities with mobile grinding operations
- State highway departments accepting RAS for road construction projects
- Municipal public works departments with asphalt recycling programs
- Construction and demolition waste facilities with shingle separation
- Roofing contractors offering comprehensive recycling services
IMPORTANT: Winter processing is optimal as cold temperatures make asphalt brittle and easier to grind, while summer heat causes melting and equipment clogging. Remove all metal fasteners completely - even small nails can damage grinding equipment costing thousands in repairs. Store in shaded, dry areas to prevent deterioration and mold growth that reduces material value.
Each recycled ton saves 2 barrels of oil and $25 worth of liquid asphalt binder, while preventing 8% of building-related landfill waste. MIT lifecycle analysis shows 5% recycled content reduces road construction carbon footprint by 15%. However, only 10% of 11-13 million tons generated annually gets recycled, wasting $275 million in asphalt binder value. Recycling conserves virgin aggregate resources and extends pavement life through improved performance characteristics.
- On-site grinding for immediate use as pothole patches or cold mix asphalt
- Rural road applications mixed with gravel for dust control
- Private road maintenance using recycled shingle-gravel mixtures
- Temporary construction access roads using processed shingle material
- Specialty applications in athletic track surfaces and playground materials
Accepted
- Architectural asphalt shingles from residential and commercial buildings
- Standard 3-tab asphalt shingles from reroofing projects
- Laminated and dimensional shingle varieties
- Ridge cap shingles and specialty asphalt roofing materials
- Tear-off shingles from roof replacement projects
- New unused shingles from construction waste and overruns
- Hip and ridge shingles and other asphalt-based roofing components
Not Accepted
- Wood shakes, cedar shingles, or natural material roofing
- Metal roofing materials including steel, aluminum, or copper
- Slate, tile, or other mineral roofing materials
- Tar paper, roofing felt, or synthetic underlayment materials
- Shingles with excessive tar, sealants, or chemical contamination
- Moldy or severely deteriorated shingles
- Mixed roofing debris containing multiple material types
Estimated value: $15-35 per ton at recycling facilities, $25 per ton asphalt binder savings, avoided disposal fees $40-80 per ton, potential contractor rebates for clean loads
Why is asphalt shingle recycling rate so low despite the benefits?
Limited processing facilities, lack of awareness among contractors, transportation costs, and specification restrictions in some states. However, growing environmental regulations and economic incentives are rapidly increasing acceptance and recycling infrastructure.
How does recycled asphalt shingle performance compare to virgin materials?
RAS-enhanced asphalt often performs better than virgin materials due to improved rutting resistance and durability. The aged asphalt binder in shingles adds stiffness and extends pavement life when properly incorporated into new mixes.
What percentage of recycled content can be used in new asphalt?
Most states allow 3-5% RAS content in surface courses and 5-15% in base courses. The National Asphalt Pavement Association reports usage in 23 states with Missouri using 48,000 tons annually on state road projects.
Can I recycle shingles from a DIY roofing project?
Yes, but remove all nails and separate materials carefully. Many recyclers prefer contractor loads but accept smaller quantities. Call ahead to confirm acceptance criteria and pricing structure for smaller loads.
What happens during the shingle recycling process?
Shingles are ground through specialized equipment into ⅜-inch minus material, with magnetic separation removing metal contaminants. The resulting product contains liquid asphalt, fibers, and mineral aggregate ready for road construction applications.
How much does shingle recycling save vs. traditional disposal?
Processing costs $15-35/ton vs. landfill fees of $40-80/ton, plus the recycled material value. The asphalt binder savings ($25/ton) often covers processing costs, making recycling economically superior to disposal.
Are there environmental concerns with asphalt shingle recycling?
The process is environmentally beneficial overall, but grinding operations require dust control and proper ventilation. The end products are inert and safe for road construction applications with no leaching or toxicity concerns.
Can architectural shingles be recycled the same as 3-tab shingles?
Yes, both types contain valuable asphalt binder and aggregate. Architectural shingles may have slightly different processing requirements due to thickness and layering but are equally recyclable and valuable.
What's the typical lifespan before shingles need replacement and recycling?
Standard shingles last 15-25 years, architectural shingles 25-30 years. This creates predictable recycling volumes, with millions of homes reaching replacement age annually, generating steady feedstock for recycling programs.
How does weather affect shingle recycling operations?
Cold weather improves processing as brittle shingles grind more easily. Hot weather can cause melting and equipment problems. Most facilities prefer winter processing and may adjust acceptance schedules based on temperature conditions.