If you’re a recycler, manufacturer, Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) producer, or contractor who wants to participate in the growing shingle recycling industry, it’s vital to have an understanding of both current and emerging end markets.
RAS offers exciting possibilities and opportunities within various industries. This guide provides an overview of how these materials can be put to profitable use.
The dominant end market for RAS is road paving, specifically in HMA.
RAS materials, when integrated into HMA, can provide significant cost savings for paving companies and help reduce the demand for virgin materials. In fact, up to 2 million tons of RAS were used annually in road construction at its peak between 2014 and 2017.
However, the use of RAS declined as challenges became more evident.
Differences in chemical and physical properties such as hardness and stiffness between roofing and asphalt road bitumen made the pavement more susceptible to cracking, stripping, and raveling.
While it is essential to address the challenges of the past, new solutions are bringing RAS back to the forefront of Road Construction. Today’s Balanced Mix Design (BMD) and other new testing protocols prove performance before materials are used. The confidence of using properly tested material increases the use of RAS in HMA.
Additionally, the environmental benefits of using RAS are significant, as it diverts waste from landfills, reduces the need for new material extraction and production, and reduces our reliance on oil, helping to create a more sustainable future. Studies show that incorporating RAS can reduce the carbon footprint of road construction by as much as 10%, making this a clear choice for those seeking sustainable practices.
Visit our Resources page for more in-depth technical studies, reports, and best practices on using RAS in road applications. CDRA members gain exclusive access to a wealth of knowledge, including white papers and real-world case studies.
Various technologies are in development to incorporate roofing shingles into new roofing products.
There are many innovative methods. Here are two examples of material recovery technology allowing recycled shingles to be used in new products:
Shingles are broken down into their constituent parts (asphalt, granules, powders, and fibers), allowing them to be reused in new roofing materials.
Shingles are reduced into raw materials that can be integrated into new products, such as roofing accessories (e.g., water barriers and felt paper).
This circularity model is gaining momentum as both homeowners and contractors are increasingly opting for products with recycled content and reducing the use of landfill space.
To learn more about the cutting-edge technologies driving the roof-to-roof market, become a CDRA member and gain access to exclusive technical reports and ongoing studies.
Although not yet widespread, RAS is also utilized as an alternative fuel source in cement production. Substituting some energy required to heat the kiln, RAS also effectively reduces the need for virgin aggregates and fuel. This practice conserves natural resources and contributes to more sustainable manufacturing.
In addition to road paving and roofing, other innovative uses for RAS are being explored, including:
RAS is used in unbound road courses to help suppress dust and stabilize gravel roads.
Advancements in asphalt extraction are enabling RAS to be reused in liquid form, while powder-like materials are being developed for roofing products.
Shingle recycling offers significant benefits across multiple industries. By reducing landfill waste, lowering material costs, and reducing the use of virgin materials, RAS is helping to create a more sustainable construction industry.
ShingleRecycling.org is committed to connecting recyclers, manufacturers, HMA producers, and contractors to profitable end markets for RAS. As the most comprehensive online resource for shingle recycling, we provide essential insights that empower you to succeed in the RAS industry, whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your current operations.
Access the following resources for free, whether you’re new to shingle recycling or looking to expand your knowledge:
CDRA Members-Only
While our Resources page offers several free resources, some of the most valuable studies, reports, and technical guides are only available to CDRA members.
Becoming a member gives you insider access to industry research, practical guides on starting RAS recycling operations, best practices for quality control, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
The Construction and Demolition Recycling Association is the premier organization dedicated to construction materials recycling. Its experts have been innovating in the industry for more than 30 years.
As a member, you’ll gain the tools and support needed to grow your business and connect to profitable end markets.
Join the CDRA today and discover how you can take advantage of the growing opportunities in the recycled asphalt shingle industry.
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