When it comes to picking out roofing materials, you may have noticed that there are many options, and if you’re someone who cares about sustainability, the concept of recycled shingles might have caught your attention. With increasing interest in eco-friendly home solutions, recycled shingles are becoming a popular topic in the roofing industry.
But are they the right choice for your roof? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what recycled shingles are, how they compare to traditional options, and whether they’re a good fit for your home.
What Are Recycled Shingles?
Recycled shingles are roofing materials made from repurposed materials such as old asphalt shingles, plastic, or rubber. They came out of the need to reduce the amount of construction waste that ends up in landfills. Unlike traditional shingles made from new materials, recycled shingles give new life to materials that would otherwise end up in the dump.
The manufacturing process begins with collecting used roofing materials, cleaning and processing them, and then reshaping them into durable new shingles. These shingles often mimic the appearance of traditional options, making them an attractive and sustainable alternative.
Are Asphalt Shingles Recyclable?
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials for their amazing benefits. However, it does have some limitations, one of which is its lack of sustainability. Historically, asphalt shingles were not recyclable, but to fix this problem, initiatives were created to recycle old shingles into new products.
For instance, asphalt shingles can now be ground down and used in road paving materials or repurposed into fresh roofing shingles (and other products). While the adoption of these practices is still growing, they signal a promising shift toward sustainability in the roofing industry.
Companies That Offer Recycled Shingles
Several leading manufacturers have introduced programs to create or promote recycled shingles:
GAF
One of the biggest names in roofing, GAF, backs up its environmental efforts with a substantial investment, having put more than $100 million into making shingle recycling work on a large scale.
Their process has allowed them to use around 90% of shingle waste to create shingles that have 7% recycled content within it.
Also Read: Best Timberline HDZ Roof Shingle Colors
Owens Corning
Another premier roofing shingle manufacturer, Owens Corning demonstrates its environmental leadership through ambitious waste reduction goals. The company has made recycling and sustainability two of its core priorities.
The company aims to dramatically reduce its landfill impact by 2030, integrating recycled materials into new products while also supporting sustainable road construction initiatives through comprehensive recycling programs.
CertainTeed
This trusted roofing manufacturer took a big step forward in 2023 by acquiring Asphaltica recycling technology that helps solve the shingle waste problem. They can now take old shingles from residential and commercial roofing projects and turn them into special pellets. These pellets get mixed into road-paving materials and can handle all kinds of weather without breaking down.
All these efforts are making recycled shingles more accessible to homeowners while reducing the environmental impact of roofing.
Also Read: Best CertainTeed Shingles 2025
The Benefits of Recycled Shingles
Recycled asphalt shingles come with all the benefits that you associate with new asphalt shingles, with the added advantage of being environment-friendly. Here are some of the benefits:
Eco-Friendly:
Recycled shingles significantly reduce waste by repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. They also require fewer natural resources during production, minimizing environmental impact.
Cost-Effective:
Although prices may vary, recycled shingles can offer cost savings compared to some premium traditional options. Manufacturers incur a relatively lower cost on them due to the absence of pure materials. Plus, they might qualify for green building incentives or tax rebates in certain areas.
Durability:
Modern recycled shingles are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, offering comparable durability to traditional shingles. With proper installation, they can last for decades. They are also lightweight and can be installed on the majority of the roofs without needing additional structural requirements.
Aesthetic Appeal:
Recycled shingles are available in a variety of styles, colors, and textures, allowing homeowners to achieve a beautiful, customized look for their roofs without compromising on sustainability.
Potential Drawbacks of Recycled Shingles
As we have already mentioned, shingle recycling is a step in the right direction, but there is still a lot to take on. Here are some considerations:
Limited Availability:
Despite growing demand, recycled shingles may not be widely available in all regions. This can make sourcing them challenging for some homeowners. Not all shingle roof manufacturers have recycling programs either.
Performance Concerns:
While recycled shingles are designed for durability, they may not yet match the performance level of high-end traditional options in extreme conditions.
When Are Recycled Shingles a Good Option?
Recycled shingles are ideal for homeowners who prioritize sustainability and want to reduce their environmental footprint. They are also a smart choice for budget-conscious renovations, especially when local programs or incentives can offset costs.
In regions where eco-friendly initiatives are supported, choosing recycled shingles can align with local sustainability goals.
Can You Recycle Other Roofing Materials?
Roofing isn’t limited to shingles — other materials like metal, clay tiles, and slate also offer recyclable options. For instance:
Metal Roof Recycling
Are metal roofs recyclable? A big yes! It is one of the most eco-friendly roofing options available. These roofs are often made from recycled materials such as aluminum or steel, which not only reduces the demand for newly mined resources but also ensures that less waste ends up in landfills.
When a metal roof reaches the end of its lifespan, it can be fully recycled into new metal products without a loss in quality. Additionally, metal roofs are energy-efficient, often reflecting heat and reducing cooling costs in the summer.
Clay Tile Roof Recycling
Clay and concrete tiles are another excellent option when considering sustainability in roofing materials. These tiles are often made from natural resources, and many manufacturers incorporate recycled content into their production process.
At the end of their lifecycle, clay and concrete tiles can be crushed and reused as aggregate for new construction projects.
Wood Shake Roof Recycling
While wood shakes and shingles are less commonly used today, they offer a unique blend of natural appearance and sustainability. These materials are biodegradable, meaning they naturally break down over time without harming the environment.
Asphalt Shingle Installation Services In Oklahoma
Recycled shingles are a step in the right direction for sustainable roofing, offering benefits like reduced environmental impact, savings, and enhanced appeal. While there are limitations, advancements in recycling technology and initiatives by leading manufacturers are making these shingles a viable option for more homeowners.
If you are looking to install new asphalt shingles on your roof, reach out to our team of experts at A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing. We are the best roofing company serving Broken Arrow, and surrounding areas of Oklahoma. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 to learn more.
