If you’re in the process of having your roof replaced, you may be wondering what to do with your old roof shingles. Proper roof shingle disposal is important for reducing waste and minimising environmental impacts. 

Sustainable options for recycling and repurposing shingles are becoming more widely available, making it easier than ever to give old materials a second life. In this blog, we’ll explore the best ways to recycle roofing shingles and how you can contribute to a greener future.

Identify the Type of Roofing Shingles 

Before recycling or disposing of roofing shingles, it’s important to identify the material, as different types have varying recycling and disposal options.

Asphalt Shingles 

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material and are widely recyclable. They can be ground down and used in road construction, new roofing products, and asphalt pavement.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles, often made from cedar or other durable wood, can sometimes be chipped and repurposed as mulch or biomass fuel. However, treated or painted wood shingles may not be recyclable due to chemical content.

Slate and Tile Shingles

Slate and tile shingles are highly durable and can often be repurposed in landscaping or as decorative building materials. Some salvage yards accept them for resale.

Metal Shingles

Metal roofing is highly recyclable and can be melted down and reused in new metal products. Many scrap metal yards accept old metal roofing for repurposing.

Can Roof Shingles be Recycled?

Are shingles recyclable? Yes, many roof shingles, particularly asphalt shingles, can be recycled. Recycled shingles are often processed into road pavement, reducing the need for new raw materials. The recycling process involves grinding the shingles into small particles that can be mixed into asphalt or used as an aggregate in construction.

To qualify for recycling, shingles should be:

Clean and Free of Debris 

Shingles should be free from excessive dirt, leaves, or non-roofing materials to ensure they can be processed efficiently.

Free of Asbestos Materials 

Older shingles may contain asbestos, which requires specialised handling and cannot be recycled through standard programs.

Not Contaminated 

Roofing materials should not be mixed with non-recyclable waste like nails, insulation, or tar paper.

Sorted by Material Type 

Different shingle types should be separated to streamline the recycling process and ensure the highest reuse potential.

How to Find Shingle Recycling Programs Near You

Looking for a shingle recycling program in Brisbane? Start by contacting local recycling centres to ask about whether they accept roofing materials like shingles. Many centres in Brisbane are becoming more eco-friendly and offer sustainable disposal options. 

It’s also worth checking online directories such as Planet Ark Recycling or the Brisbane City Council's website for information on waste management services for recycling programs. 

Another idea is to reach out to local roofing contractors, as they often have partnerships with recycling facilities and may be able to guide you to the right resources. Be sure to check local regulations and any specific requirements before dropping off your shingles to ensure compliance.

Preparing Shingles for Recycling 

To prepare shingles for recycling, first remove any nails, tar paper, and debris, as these can contaminate the recycling process. Cleaning the shingles of dirt and foreign materials will ensure they are in the best condition for reuse. 

Then, sort shingles by material type—such as asphalt, wood or slate—since different materials require different recycling processes. Finally, inspect the shingles for contaminants like paint or chemicals, as these can prevent recycling centres from accepting them. Taking these steps helps streamline the recycling process and increases the likelihood of your shingles being successfully repurposed.

Responsible Disposal Options if Recycling Isn't Available

Wondering how to dispose of roof shingles? If recycling isn’t an option in your area, consider these options instead. 

• Landfill Drop-Off: Some landfills accept shingles, but fees and regulations vary. Check with your local waste management authority.
  
  
• Licensed Waste Removal Services: Professional waste disposal companies can ensure proper handling and adherence to environmental regulations.

Repurposing Old Roofing Shingles 

Instead of disposal, consider repurposing shingles for small projects. For example, you could create paths, paving, decorative items and more. Here are some of our top ideas: 

• Garden Paths: Asphalt shingles can be used as a base layer for garden paths to prevent weed growth.
  
  
• Shed or Doghouse Roofing: Old shingles can provide a durable roof for smaller structures.
  
  
• Driveway Paving: Ground-up asphalt shingles can be mixed into driveway paving material.
  
  
• Decorative Uses: Slate and tile shingles can be used for DIY crafts or landscaping projects.

Final Thoughts 

Proper disposal of roofing shingles is important for environmental sustainability. Recycling should be the first option whenever possible, followed by repurposing for small-scale projects. If neither is feasible, ensure responsible disposal through permitted waste management services.

If you need professional assistance with roof replacement or sustainable disposal options, our roofing experts can help guide you through the best practices for responsible roofing recycling.