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