County landfill starts an asphalt shingle recycling program

Recently, the Boone County Landfill implemented a new program that accepts asphalt shingles for recycling. This program, in cooperation with Metro Waste Authority in Polk County, recycles asphalt shingles into asphalt used in road paving. 

The Landfill will transfer the collected shingles to a processing facility at the Metro Park East Landfill near Runnells. The processed material is then sold to an asphalt plant. To implement this program, the Landfill constructed a concrete receiving pad and retaining wall. Funding was provided by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources through the Solid Waste Alternatives Program. 

This type of recycling is becoming common throughout Iowa. Not only does the program divert waste from the landfill and reuse that material as a resource, it also decreases the amount of oil required to produce asphalt. The first customer to use the new program was Joel Benbow, owner of JMB roofing. He commented that using the new program takes about the same time as it does to unload at the active face of the landfill. A garbage dumpster is located next to the shingles area for the convenience of the customers. A prime advantage of the program is that those using the shingle recycling program do not have to drive through adverse conditions associated with the landfill to unload since the recycling pad is located by the scale house.

Those that use the shingles recycling pay the normal tipping fee for construction and demolition waste.

Roofing contractors and do-it-yourselfers are encouraged to contact the landfill to learn how to take advantage of this program. For information please call 515-433-0591 or email: info@boonelandfill.org.