Asphalt roofing shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the country, with over 4 million square yards installed every year.
So you’d think that if they’re considered hazardous waste, we’d have heard about it by now! However, confusion about classifying asphalt roofing shingles has recently led to new regulations that may change how homeowners treat them at the end of their useful life.
You cannot consider asphalt roofing shingles hazardous waste because they can be disposed of in the usual way in the landfill. They can be recycled and used again after disposal for different purposes. By the amount of reuse, you can see that asphalt shingles are not hazardous; if not, contractors wouldn’t use them very well.
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Are Asphalt Shingles Considered Hazardous Waste?
You can consider asphalt shingles as a non-hazardous waste when disposed of in a usual manner. If allowed, disposing of asphalt shingles is simple: roll them up and dispose of them at your local landfill or other disposal facilities.
(Most recycling facilities accept these materials.) Another option is to donate your old shingles to an asphalt contractor who will use them to repair roadways.
If you need to dispose of asphalt shingles, you must follow your state and local rules. Most states classify asphalt shingles as green waste or yard waste.
It is in line with federal guidelines for what can be considered non-hazardous waste.
However, if you can’t get to a disposal facility or find one nearby, you must know hazardous materials laws. Most states have restrictions about how you can handle old shingles.
In California, for example, cities are allowed to accept asphalt shingle waste only from owners of single-family homes and commercial buildings up to three stories high.
If you think your shingles are hazardous waste, take them to a facility in person. Don’t transport them by mail or use a service to pick up items from your house or business.
In addition, some states require special permits for handling and disposing of hazardous materials. It’s best to be safe and follow these rules rather than risk fines or penalties for improperly disposing of asphalt shingle waste.
Ensure to check with your local government before attempting to dispose of any asphalt roofing materials on your own.
Disposing of roof shingles can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves while handling, bundling, and transporting your materials.
Before attempting to dispose of any hazardous waste materials on your own, be sure to check with local laws and regulations about acceptable methods for disposal and transportation.
Can Shingles Be Thrown Away?
Some cities will allow you to throw away asphalt shingles, but only if you dispose of the asphalt shingle roof in a particular dumpster that the state has set up for disposing of these materials.
These companies pick up old asphalt shingle roof debris from residential and commercial properties, so you may be able to get rid of them quickly, depending on where you live.
There are various ways in which you can throw away asphalt shingles, which include;
#1. Burying
You can also bury your asphalt shingles by digging a hole at least six inches deep, then covering it with dirt.
However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t recommend this method because buried asphalt can release toxic fumes into your soil over time.
#2. Burning
Another option is to burn your asphalt shingles in an incinerator or power plant; however, not all facilities accept roofing material as part of their waste stream.
If you choose to dispose of your shingles through burning, be sure that you do so safely and legally and that you don’t violate any local ordinances.
#3. Recycling
If you want to recycle your old asphalt shingles instead of throwing them away, contact a recycling facility in your area for more information about how they handle these materials.
Some companies will pick up and recycle old roofing materials for free, but others will charge a fee based on how much material you have.
You can also recycle your asphalt roof shingles by giving them to someone planning to build a new roof using these materials.
If you’re on good terms with someone, offer to provide them with your old shingles so they can use them for their next project—and in return, they’ll be able to save money by buying new shingles at a discounted price.
How Do You Dispose of Asphalt Shingles?
If you’re ready to remove your old roof and dispose of the roof shingles, consider hiring a contractor who can remove your existing shingles.
You can then recycle or dispose of them at an appropriate facility and have your roof replaced by a professional team with superior roof design and installation knowledge.
Shingle disposal options vary depending on where you live and what type of roofing material you’re throwing away.
For example, asphalt shingle roof debris is considered hazardous waste in some areas, so you must dispose of it at a particular facility.
There are several steps to take when deciding how to throw away your old roof.
Use these guidelines as a starting point for determining how to proceed with disposing of roof shingles responsibly.
#1. Determine Whether Your Asphalt Shingles Are Dangerous Waste
To figure out how to get rid of your asphalt shingles, figure out whether or not they’re considered hazardous waste.
If you live in a state where asphalt roof shingles aren’t dangerous, you can throw them away at your local dump. Some places can help you recycle asphalt shingles if they aren’t safe.
#2. Get Rid of Your Old Shingles Responsibly
Once you’ve decided how to dispose of your old roof, get rid of it responsibly. For example, in some states where asphalt shingle roof debris is considered hazardous waste, you must take them to a unique disposal facility in your car or on a trailer.
It can be inconvenient and time-consuming, so leave your old shingles with a contractor who will haul them away for you.
#3. Recycle Your Old Shingles
If you live in a state where asphalt shingle roof debris is considered a non-hazardous waste, then your old shingles can be recycled.
For example, there are several ways to recycle your old roof in Texas, which doesn’t consider roof debris from asphalt shingles as hazardous waste.
One option is to donate your old roof to charity or habitat for humanity, and another option is to leave them with a contractor who will recycle them.
#4. Check Your Local Dump
Suppose you’re wondering how to dispose of old roof shingles. In some states, asphalt shingle roof debris is considered garbage—so you can leave it at your local landfill for disposal.
However, before taking your shingles to a dump, check with them first to make sure they will accept them.
#5. Hire a Contractor
Another option for disposing of your old roof is to hire a contractor. For example, if you live in a state where asphalt shingle roof debris is considered hazardous waste, you can hire a contractor to haul it away for you.
Contractors who do specialty hauling do so with trucks and trailers rather than by hand. So make sure that they’ll appropriately dispose of your shingles when hiring them.
#6. Rent a Dumpster
Hiring a contractor isn’t an option for some people because they don’t have access to one or want to get rid of their old roof. Renting a dumpster might be your best bet if you fall into that category.
You can rent a dumpster in many sizes at most hardware stores and home improvement centers. All these are safer ways of disposing of Asphalt shingles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, asphalt roof shingles are not hazardous to the environment, and you can reuse them for different purposes, such as the reconstruction of roads, building roofs, and much more.
If properly disposed of, it won’t be considered hazardous materials. Just ensure that you check with the local regulation on the methods before disposal.
