SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
For roofers in Siouxland, tearing out old tar shingles typically meant a trip to the landfill would follow. In fact, experts say 11 million tons of shingles end up in landfills each year. And they don't degrade.
Earl Miller has been dumping his for 30 years.
"You pay to dump it there. It's probably $35, $37 a ton, something like that," said Miller with Earl Miller Construction.
But soon Miller will have an alternative to tossing out his tar. Nick Andersen, with Endeavor Roofing Supply, is starting a new service called Save & Pave.
"What we're trying to do is divert that product from landfills, and to be able to recycle it, right here at this facility," said Andersen.
It's a first for Sioux City. For a cheaper price than the landfill, roofers can drop shingles at a site just off Outer Drive. Endeavor will screen the pile for contaminates, like asbestos. Then it'll be sent next door to Barkley Asphalt. They'll turn it into a filler that can be mixed into asphalt for roads and bike trails. Viola, recycled shingles.
"Whether it be homeowners, whether it be the city, business in town, they're stoked about the idea to be in an initiative that's recycling," said Andersen.
Miller is all about it. He expects to save money while he helps save the environment.
"Just awesome. It's so much better than just covering it up and it never getting used again," said Miller.
The Save & Pave site will be open next week. Endeavor says there are some rules and regulations folks will have to follow when dumping. For instance, shingle piles can contain tar paper and nails, but not wood or metal scraps.
If you want more info, contact Endeavor Roofing Supply.
3320 Terminal Drive
Sioux City, IA 51105
Phone: 712.441.2448
Contact: Nick Andersen
Email: nick@endeavordist.com
