Overview of our process — specific parameters (temperatures, solvents, cycle times) are proprietary, but this gives you an idea of how shingles become reusable resources again:

• Pre‑sorting & Contaminant Removal
  We inspect incoming shingle loads and remove large debris, wood, metal fasteners, and non‑asphalt materials. A magnet and screening systems help separate nails and ferrous metals.
• Shredding & Size Reduction
  Cleaned shingles are fed into a hammer mill or grinder. The material is reduced to small particle sizes suitable for extraction. In general industry practice, shredding to ~3/8 inch or smaller is common for further processing.
• Oil / Bitumen Extraction
  The finely shredded shingles undergo extraction, where the asphalt (bitumen) binder is dissolved or separated from the aggregate and fiberglass matrix. Some techniques mix ground shingles with a solvent blend or apply heat to dissolve the binder. (ScienceDirect) The resulting mix (a “miscella”) contains dissolved asphalt and solvent. Solvent is recovered and recycled back into the process. The extracted asphalt is isolated for reuse, while the leftover solids (fiberglass mat, silica, granules) are also recovered.
• Refinement & Output Streams Asphalt / Bitumen: Recovered oil is potentially usable in paving mixes or industrial fuel (depending on local standards). Some pilot processes claim recovery yields up to ~95% of asphalt content in shingles. (ResearchGate) Aggregate / Solids: Fiberglass mat and mineral fillers (sand, silica) are cleaned, screened, and sent for reuse or safe disposal if non‑usable. Recycled Shingle Material: In some cases the processed material (or partially processed) can be blended back into road asphalt mixes (i.e., RAS in HMA). (owenscorning.com)
• Quality Control & Blending
  The recovered asphalt binder is tested and, if needed, blended with additives or virgin asphalt to reach performance specifications. The recycled solids are graded and stored.

Benefits of Our Method

• Maximized Value Recovery
  Rather than just crushing and blending, extraction allows us to reclaim more of the asphalt binder and produce higher-purity solids. This increases the usable yield from each load.
• Landfill Diversion
  We divert thousands of tons of shingle waste from landfills every year, reducing environmental burden and helping clients meet sustainable waste disposal goals.
• Lower Carbon Footprint
  Reusing materials reduces the need for virgin bitumen extraction and processing — saving energy and curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Support for Circular Economy
  Our process aligns with circular principles: materials are recovered, reused, and reintegrated into infrastructure and industrial uses rather than being lost to disposal.
• Local Convenience
  For Edmonton-area roofing contractors and homeowners, our yard at 13140 24 St offers a nearby, certified drop-off point that ensures shingles are processed responsibly.

Drop-off Instructions & Guidelines (for Customers)

To ensure smooth processing and safety, please follow these guidelines when bringing shingles to our facility:

• Prep Your Load Remove loose wood, siding, flashing, gutters, and other non-asphalt materials beforehand. Keep the load as free from extraneous debris as possible.
• Fasteners & Nails
  You don’t need to pull every nail out — we use magnets and screening to remove ferrous metals post‑processing. But try to minimize large metal pieces and bulky items.
• Separate Materials
  Do not mix in other types of waste (e.g. treated wood, insulation, tar paper, plastics) — these contaminants interfere with extraction and safety protocols.
• No Asbestos Shingles
  We do not accept shingles suspected to contain asbestos or other hazardous materials. Please ensure your materials are non‑asbestos before drop-off.
• Schedule Drop-off
  Contact us ahead if you have large volumes (over a few tonnes) so we can ensure adequate staff and capacity.
• Weight & Fee Structure
  We charge by weight. (Specify your local tipping rates, minimum fees, or exemptions here.)

Environmental & Safety Considerations

• Closed‑loop Solvent Recovery
  Our extraction system is designed to recover and reuse solvents, minimizing emissions and waste.
• Emission Controls
  We operate under local environmental regulations and use vapor capture, scrubbers, and monitoring to ensure compliance.
• Non-toxic Residue Handling
  The solid residuals (fiberglass, quartz, fillers) are inert or safely managed in accordance with regulation.
• Regulatory Compliance
  We comply with Alberta’s waste, recycling, and environmental safety regulations.
• Quality Assurance
  Each batch undergoes testing to ensure the recovered asphalt meets structural and safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why not just use crushed shingles (RAS) in asphalt mix?
A: Grinding and adding shingles to asphalt mix is common — but extraction allows more binder to be reclaimed, producing purer materials and higher-value outputs.

Q: How much asphalt can be recovered from a tonne of shingles?
A: That depends on shingle composition (binder content) and extraction efficiency. Some studies report recovery of up to ~95% of the asphalt binder portion. (ResearchGate)

Q: Are there environmental risks (e.g. solvents, emissions)?
A: When properly engineered, extraction systems use closed-loop solvent recovery and emission control systems to minimize risk. Our facility is built with those controls in place.

Q: Can I bring in shingles from outside Edmonton?
A: Yes, but be aware of transport cost, and ensure you follow guideline for material acceptance. Contact us in advance so we can plan.

Q: Does recycling cost more than landfilling?
A: Often, landfill fees plus transportation make disposal expensive. Recycling offers environmental value, and sometimes lower net cost when considering tipping credits or waste diversion incentives.