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How to Dispose of Roof Shingles

From asphalt to clay tiles and everything between — we'll help get rid of them all.

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Roofing Shingles Disposal Guide

There are over a dozen types of roofing shingles, including asphalt, slate, wood, solar, concrete and fiberglass. Many of these types of shingles are weather-resistant, visually appealing and energy-efficient, but some cost more and are less effective than others. The common thread is that they all need to be replaced at some point, which means you need to know how to get rid of the old ones.

Asphalt shingles are used practically everywhere — from minor home improvement projects to major installations of big box stores. In fact, 80% of home and commercial roofing projects use some form of asphalt shingle, mostly due to their extreme weather protection and relative cost.

However, despite asphalt shingles being the most common type of roofing shingle, you may be trying to throw out others. In this guide, we’ll show you how and where to get rid of roofing shingles before you bid on a job — including the best places to throw out, recycle or donate your used construction materials — so those projects keep moving.

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3 Roof Shingle Disposal Options

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1. Recycle Roofing Shingles

The easiest kinds of shingles to recycle include asphalt, metal, wood and plastic. However, contractors working on residential homes or commercial buildings may not have access to the recycling resources needed to divert shingles from landfills, especially in remote areas.

Wood shingles can be ground down for animal bedding or mulch. Metal and plastic shingles can be melted down and repurposed. Concrete shingles can be busted up for gravel. Asphalt shingles are also recyclable — generally turned into pavement — but must not contain asbestos.

Earth911 maintains a major database of recyclers throughout North America for all types of shingles. Use the helpful search function to find recycling options near you.

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3. Rent a Dumpster

Contractors and homeowners can also rent dumpsters to dispose of old shingles. Dumpsters are the easiest way to throw out roofing shingles — regardless of the type — without spending time searching for a recycler or donation center.

However, a trusted partner like Dumpsters.com has the ability to dispose of roofing shingles and divert as much of the materials as possible anywhere in the country. A dedicated account manager can set up the testing needed to ensure jobsites are safe and clean of asbestos, which must be done for proper disposal.

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What Are the Common Types of Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are classified into three types:

  • Strip shingles weigh and cost less than other types of asphalt shingles.
  • Luxury shingles often look like other materials to create visually pleasing designs.
  • Dimensional shingles are made out of multiple layers of asphalt and appear three-dimensional when installed.

These shingles are easy to dispose of but require specific and important testing to determine whether they contain asbestos, which was regularly used in asphalt shingles prior to 1989.

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Getting Rid of More Than Roof Shingles?

Choose a construction material for detailed disposal options.

Dirt Dirt Tile Tile Pallets Pallets
Carpet Carpet Scrap Metal Scrap Metal Concrete Concrete
Lumber Lumber Insulation Insulation Paint Paint

Roofing Shingle Disposal FAQs

Are old roof shingles recycled?

How much does shingle disposal cost?

Are old shingles considered hazardous waste?

Can you put asphalt shingles in the garbage?

More Construction Debris Removal Resources

Need to get rid of debris other than shingles? Use these articles and blogs to learn the best ways to dispose of construction materials at your jobsites.