Shingle Recycling Forum highlights growth, innovation and opportunity

By The Coffee Shops®.

Construction recycling experts share how used roofing materials can go from landfill burden to valuable resources.

The annual Shingle Recycling Forum has become more than just a gathering of industry stakeholders. Andrea Johnson, executive director of the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA), says it represents more than two decades of collaboration, advocacy and determination to keep valuable roofing materials out of landfills. Opening the forum, Andrea reflected on the significance of the event's longevity and the commitment of the people and organizations that have supported it from the beginning.

"This is the 11th forum," she said. "That means that over two decades, the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association has been fighting to recover and keep this material out of landfill."

She noted that many attendees have been involved since the earliest days of the initiative, helping transform what was once a niche effort into a recognized movement focused on recovering and reusing asphalt shingles.

A partnership-driven effort

Andrea emphasized that the industry's progress has been possible because multiple national organizations have aligned around a common goal. Representatives from the asphalt pavement industry, roofing industry and recycling community continue to work together to create viable pathways for recovering and utilizing recycled shingles.

She highlighted the remarkable support shown by industry leaders who have consistently championed the cause, attending forums and advocating for greater adoption of recycled materials over the past 20 years. "Think about the support that we're giving each other," Andrea said. "All these major national associations working together for one material."

That collaboration remains essential as stakeholders work to increase recycling rates and create stronger end markets for recovered shingle material.

Turning waste into value

At the heart of the effort is a simple reality: enormous volumes of asphalt shingles continue to end up in landfills despite their potential value. Those on the front lines of recycling operations see the challenge every day. "It is staggering, the volume of asphalt shingles that are thrown into a landfill," Andrea shared.

What makes that statistic even more frustrating, she explained, is that the material can be recovered and reused. "These can not only be recovered, they have good value," she added. The challenge is not simply collecting the material. It is creating consistent demand and confidence among end users who can put recycled shingles to work in new applications.

Building stronger markets

While the industry has made significant progress, Andrea acknowledged that shingle recycling continues to face ups and downs. Processors and recyclers often experience fluctuations in demand, creating uncertainty for businesses working to divert shingles from landfills. The journey has been anything but linear. Forums like this one play an important role in helping stakeholders share ideas, discuss challenges and identify opportunities to strengthen end markets.

One area of focus is expanding acceptance among transportation agencies. Andrea pointed to departments of transportation already incorporating recycled shingle materials into road construction and challenged attendees to consider how more agencies can be brought on board.

"How can we get more DOTs online?" she asked. "How can we convince people and give them the confidence so they're not only wanting to use this material, but they are also seeking to use this material?"

Looking toward the future

Beyond current applications such as hot mix asphalt and road base, Andrea encouraged attendees to look ahead to emerging innovations that could create new opportunities for recycled shingles. Research institutions, universities and industry partners are investing time and resources into identifying additional uses for these materials, expanding the possibilities for recycling and recovery.

"This is exciting," Andrea said. "The investment and the time and economic investment across not just people in the industry, but our universities." She also highlighted the importance of developing the next generation of leaders, researchers and innovators who will continue advancing the cause.

As the forum continues to evolve, its mission remains unchanged: bringing together stakeholders committed to finding practical solutions, creating stronger markets and ensuring that valuable roofing materials stay out of landfills and in productive use.