Shingles on the table - Commodities - Asphalt Shingles Recycling Forum

Information on research, handling techniques and case studies invovling recycling asphalt shingles were all part of the Second Asphalt Shingles Recycling Forum, which took place April 13-14 in Minneapolis. The event featured several speakers who discussed issues facing the industry today and also allowed the more than 100 participants to talk to their peers from across the country.

The focus of the presentations was mostly on using recycled shingles in hot-mix asphalt, although other end products were also discussed. The forum was sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, U.S. EPA Region 5 and the Construction Materials Recycling Association. It was partly funded by the Recycled Materials Research Center (RMRC), Durham, N.H.

Among the speakers was Jeff Melton of RMRC, who reported that the barriers to asphalt shingle recycling are both real and perceived, but that quality control and quality assurance on the parts of the shingle processor and asphalt producer are important to overcome those barriers.

Dave Newcomb, currently with the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), was at one time part of MnDOT and participated in that agency's groundbreaking research 1.0 years ago on recycled shingle use in hot mix. He stated that the results, which were positive for the process, are still valid today.

He added that NAPA believes additions to hot mix, such as recycled shingles, need to meet three criteria: the end product should not be hurt by use of the waste; that use of the waste should not affect worker safety and health, nor have any other detrimental environmental effects; and the practice is economically feasible. The organization also contends that the use of the recycled debris should not be mandated.

Kent Peterson of CMRA-member Bituminous Roadways, Minneapolis, said his company is in the process of a pilot project using post-consumer shingles for non hot-mix products. But for more than five years his company has been grinding and adding shingle manufacturers' debris into its hot mix plant. While asphalt that uses shingles is now accepted by many customers, at first he had to overcome the perception that it was a health hazard and "garbage" in the mix. He has worked to dispel these notions.