Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association - June 2026
In an era of increasing environmental awareness and evolving regulations, roofing contractors are at the forefront of crucial changes in the construction industry. While the primary focus often remains on delivering high-quality, durable roofs, there’s a growing need to consider the lifecycle of materials, particularly materials like asphalt roofing, which may be recycled in areas where recycling companies operate. Recycling asphalt roofing debris isn’t just an eco-friendly practice; it’s a strategic move that can offer numerous benefits to your business, the industry and the planet.
The volume of construction and demolition (C&D) waste generated annually is large and roofing materials contribute to this stream. Landfilling these materials occupies valuable space and represents a lost opportunity to reclaim valuable resources. For roofing contractors, getting involved in recycling is a step towards responsible material stewardship. It’s an acknowledgment that the “easy” disposal route isn’t always the best for long-term sustainability or business viability.
Beyond environmental ethics, there are practical considerations that underscore the importance of recycling. Regulatory initiatives are constantly shifting, with increasing attention on the embodied carbon content of building materials, stimulated by “buy clean” legislation. This means that future regulations may restrict the types of roof coverings that can be used based on their environmental footprint. By proactively embracing recycling, contractors can ensure their future choices remain viable and compliant with evolving regulations.
Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious. Offering recycling as an option for their old roofing materials can be a significant differentiator, enhancing your company’s reputation and attracting a market segment that prioritizes sustainability. It demonstrates a commitment to more than just the bottom line, fostering customer trust and loyalty.
The good news is that the end-use options for recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) are steadily increasing, making recycling more practical and economically viable. No longer is it simply about reducing landfill waste; it’s about transforming waste into valuable resources.
One of the most common and established enduses for recycled asphalt shingles is paving. Processed RAS can be incorporated into asphalt pavement mixes as substitutes for aggregate and, with proper asphalt mixture design, a partial replacement for asphalt cement. This not only diverts waste from landfills but also conserves natural resources and can reduce the cost of road construction. The quality and performance of pavement containing RAS have been extensively studied. Recent advancements in pavement mixture design are expected to lead to future growth in the use of RAS.
Another significant application is the reuse of RAS in new asphalt roofing products. Some manufacturers are integrating a percentage of recycled materials back into their production processes, creating a closed-loop system that exemplifies circular economy principles. This innovation reduces the demand for
new raw materials and minimizes the environmental impact associated with manufacturing.
Beyond these primary applications, RAS is used for dust suppression on unpaved roads, in road base stabilization and in other construction applications. Its binding properties help RAS to function in these alternative uses. As research and development continue, it’s expected that even more innovative uses for recycled asphalt roofing will emerge, further solidifying its value as a renewable resource.
The asphalt roofing industry is actively working to support and expand recycling. Many manufacturers are initiating programs and partnerships aimed at increasing the diversion of roofing waste from landfills. This includes manufacturer initiatives to explore new recycling technologies, development of best practices and facilitating the collection and processing of roofing debris.
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) issued the following statement in 2022:
“The industry aspires to reduce landfill disposal of asphalt-based roofing materials to 50 percent by 2035 and to approach 0 percent by 2050. To accomplish these goals, ARMA will foster and promote responsible, economically feasible and sustainable circular economy options to recycle asphalt-based roofing materials and enhance the long-term viability of asphalt roofing as the preferred roofing material.”
ARMA supports these efforts through education and collaboration. A key education event is the biennial Virtual Asphalt Roofing Recycling Forum, which provides an opportunity to come together every other year and learn about progress in the roofing industry and academia. This past year’s forum was a collaborative success. Information about the event is available on ARMA’s website, www.asphaltroofing.org.
While much of the historical focus has been on recycling asphalt shingles due to their widespread use, the industry is now bringing attention to the opportunity to recycle low-slope asphalt roofing materials, such as modified bitumen and built-up roofing. The characteristics of these roofing materials suggest an opportunity worth exploring. Recycling low-slope asphalt roofing presents different challenges than recycling asphalt shingles but ongoing research and technological advancements are paving the way for their successful reclamation and reuse. This broader focus underscores a comprehensive commitment to material stewardship across all segments of asphalt roofing.
Getting involved in asphalt roofing recycling is easier than ever. The first step is to identify local recycling facilities that accept roofing debris. A great resource is the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association’s (CDRA) website, www.shinglerecycling.org. A recent search showed four recyclers listed in Florida, offering
convenient drop-off sites in several locations.
Once you’ve identified a recycler, the next step is to properly prepare a roofing job for recycling. This typically involves separating roofing debris from other construction waste. The CDRA provides excellent guidance on this through their Supplier’s Training & Requirements for Asphalt Shingle Recycling document, which is available for free at www.floridaroof.com/shinglerecycling. These guidelines offer practical advice on how to tearoff and sort materials effectively to ensure they meet the recycler’s specifications, prevent contamination and maximize the value of the recycled product.
Finally, don’t forget the importance of communicating the recycling option to your customers. Many homeowners and building owners are eager to make environmentally responsible choices. By explaining that you offer recycling services for their old roof, you can differentiate your business, demonstrate your commitment to
sustainability and potentially secure more environmentally conscious customers. This conversation can be as simple as including a line item in your proposals or discussing it during the initial consultation. These small efforts can yield significant returns in terms of customer satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth.
By embracing asphalt roofing recycling, contractors can play a vital role in building a more sustainable future for the construction industry while also enhancing their own business operations and reputation.