Americans throw away about 33 million tons of waste every year—and that’s only the food waste. In 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that 136 million tons of construction waste was generated in the United States, which accounts for 25 to 40 percent of the national solid waste stream [source: Whole Building Design Guide]. This has more of an impact than just burdening landfills — materials that contain solvents or chemically treated wood can also cause soil and water pollution.
Of that, nearly 11 million tons of roofing shingle waste is generated each year in the United States. Most of that waste — 10 million tons — comes from the shingles off of old homes [source:CA.gov]. Unlike many construction materials, roofing shingles are very durable. They can last nearly 20 or 30 years before they need to be replaced.
Most shingles are made from a felt mat infused with asphalt (which is made from crude oil) and tiny bits of rock. These shingles are hardy, and can withstand scorching heat and bone-chilling temperatures. But when they are removed from a roof, they can be ground down and actually used in pavement projects and as patches for potholes. Shingles can also be recycled into new shingles and sometimes processed into fuel [source: CA.gov]. In case you missed it, we wrote about recycling shingles in another blog.
But, what about all those pallets your shingles come on? Easy! We take them to Greencycle! For more than twenty years, Greencycle has been in the business of sustainable, renewable practices and resources. They manufacture and produce all of their own organic mulches, composts, and soil blends for consumer and commercial use from recycled yard, wood, and food waste. We believe in GreenCycle‘s top quality landscaping products like mulch, topsoil, and compost. So, when it comes to protecting your environment AND protecting your landscaping, consider Greencycle for your mulching, topsoil and composting needs.
Do you think it’s time for a new roof? Give us a call or fill out a request for a free estimate today!