In the past, we here in Southern California would merely throw things away without too much concern as to how it affected the environment
. Construction debris became one of the main problems facing landfills over the years. To solve this problem more and more communities are creating recycling programs, and a roof recycling program alone helps a lot.
Several old roofs are being recycled all over the world. Some types of roofing materials are also being recycled and reused on other buildings.
Ancient tile roofs are typically recycled and reused in the greater Los Angeles area. Older Spanish tile shingles can be salvaged and reused on other roofs as a way to save money. These tiles are taken from old buildings and taken to another place where they are inspected and sorted. Tiles that can be reused are later cleansed and treated. After that they are repackaged and resold for use on other buildings.
It is not just Spanish tiles that are used in a roof recycling program. Just about all other types of roofing products can be recycled as well.
Asphalt roofing materials are used on over 80% of all residences in Southern California, and these shingles make up the majority of the region's landfill troubles. With an asphalt roof recycling program these shingles are hauled off and reused for things like asphalt pavement, aggregate base and sub-base, and even fuel oil.
It is estimated that the U.S. generates above 11 million tons on asphalt shingle waste a year. Of that waste 10 million tons of it is from homes that have needed to be re-roofed. California alone adds 1.2 million tons of asphalt shingle waste every year. There is no way for Californians landfills to accommodate that much asphalt waste without possible issues.
Anyone thinking of a re-roofing project should check to see what form of a roof recycling program is available in their area.