MoDOT recycles rooftops for state roadways

In the past two years, MoDOT has allowed contractors to use shingles that have been removed from rooftops into asphalt mix, resulting in a durable, more rut-resistant asphalt that is less expensive. Using recycled shingles generally saves $3 to $5 per ton of asphalt.

A typical resurfacing project would use about 30,000 tons of asphalt, for a cost savings of $90,000 to $150,000.

Beyond the cost savings, however, reusing shingles also is in line with MoDOT’s efforts to be environmentally friendly.

“By recycling asphalt shingles, we keep them out of landfills, preserve petroleum resources and lower our construction costs while maintaining high-quality asphalt pavement,” said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn, in the release.

According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, an estimated 146,500 tons of roofing materials are disposed of in Missouri landfills annually.

Shingle recycling also helps MoDOT reduce the amount of petroleum it uses in its road construction program. By using recycled asphalt shingles, the department reduces the amount of liquid asphalt in a mix design by 20 percent to 25 percent.

MoDOT is working with other agencies and organizations nationally to refine the specifications for the use of asphalt shingles as a hot-mix asphalt material.