If you’re in the roofing, construction, or demolition business, making a plan to recycle asphalt shingles can help to save you money while reducing disposal costs for landfill dumping.

Before you begin your shingle recycling plan, take some time to organize and ensure that you have a clean supply. Waste materials should ideally be separated into different reuse and recycling categories for greatest ease. However, some facilities will accept mixed materials containing a variety of roofing waste. Regardless of which plan you implement, you must be aware and ensure that all materials brought to your recycling facility are free of asbestos.

Some states and municipalities do require that asbestos testing be performed on waste construction materials so be aware of your local regulations and plan accordingly to avoid fines and penalties. If your business is in a state or county requiring this testing, it may be more cost-effective and timely is establish your own certified “lab” for testing and detection of this hazardous material. This allows you to reduce costs for outside testing and actively manage your waste and recycling streams. Information about establishing a certified asbestos testing facility can be obtain through your local environmental protection and hazardous waste office.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: Asphalt Shingles have great recycling properties and are a valuable commodity even after they’ve exhausted their lifetime on a roof.