Phoenix Homeowners Face New Environmental Mandates for Roof Replacement Debris Disposal in 2024
Phoenix homeowners planning roof replacements in 2024 must navigate an increasingly complex landscape of environmental regulations and recycling requirements for construction debris disposal. As Arizona continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental protection, new mandates are reshaping how roofing contractors handle the millions of tons of waste generated from roof replacement projects across the Valley.
Understanding Phoenix’s Construction Debris Regulations
Construction and demolition solid waste may not be placed in a solid waste, green organics, or recycling container. If such construction and demolition solid waste is generated, the responsible party is responsible for the removal and disposal of such solid waste. This Phoenix city code requirement places the burden of proper disposal squarely on homeowners and their chosen contractors.
Chapter II, Section 4, Regulation 4 of the Maricopa County Environmental Health Code (MCEHC) governs construction and debris landfills. In addition to the MCEHC regulations, these landfills are regulated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). These dual regulatory frameworks ensure comprehensive oversight of construction waste disposal throughout Maricopa County.
The Environmental Impact of Roofing Waste
The scale of roofing waste in America is staggering. According to estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 11–13 million tons of asphalt shingles are torn off roofs in the U.S. every year. Less than 10% of that material is recycled into roads or other paving projects, while the remaining 90% ends up as waste in landfills. This statistic underscores why Phoenix and Arizona are implementing stricter disposal requirements.
Unfortunately, due to a number of factors that we will discuss later, the overwhelming majority of the up to 15 million tons of waste asphalt shingles generated in the US every year end up in the nation’s landfills. While this number varies a bit from year to year based on home improvement trends and the general state of the economy, it is clear that simply tossing 13-15 million tons of asphalt, fiberglass, sand, and granules into our landfills that may take up to 300-400 years to decompose is not a sustainable solution.
New Recycling Opportunities and Requirements
Phoenix homeowners now have access to improved recycling options for roofing materials. Asphalt shingle waste can be used in a wide variety of products such as; new roofing, fuel oil, ground cover, patching material for potholes, sidewalks and asphalt pavement. Professional roofing contractors are increasingly required to demonstrate proper recycling practices as part of their licensing and permitting processes.
Recycled shingles are most often used for paving projects, including public roads, driveways and parking lots. According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), 673,000 tons of reclaimed asphalt shingles (RAS) were used in new asphalt pavement mixes in the U.S. in 2022.
How Roofing All Stars Addresses Environmental Compliance
Roofing All Stars LLC is a market leader in roofing and building services, with a local history serving Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert and the surrounding areas. The company has adapted its practices to meet Phoenix’s evolving environmental requirements while maintaining their commitment to quality workmanship.
Roofing All Stars sprouted from a simple truth we witnessed across Maricopa County, AZ homeowners getting burned by fly-by-night contractors who disappeared faster than morning dew in the Sonoran Desert. We founded this roofing company because we believed that our neighbors should not be subjected to empty promises and subpar workmanship. This local focus means they understand the specific regulatory challenges Phoenix homeowners face.
When considering Roof Replacement in Phoenix, AZ, homeowners should work with contractors who demonstrate clear compliance with environmental regulations. We provide trained and skilled professionals, committed to do the job correctly, reliably and honestly. We provide trained and skilled professionals, committed to do the job correctly, reliably and honestly. We create a company environment of communication and teamwork with dedication to honor our commitments, answer for our actions and be responsible for results.
Proper Disposal Methods and Costs
Residents’ loads exceeding one ton will be required to leave a deposit and weigh out after dumping. The customer must pay the current gate rate of $55/ton for any material disposed in excess of one ton. Phoenix residents can utilize city transfer stations for proper disposal, though costs can add up quickly for large roofing projects.
During the tear off its best to use separate waste containers for each material you will be recycling. Get one for the shingles, another for the wood and another for the nails. You will also need to remove any pieces of wood, paper or matting still attached to the shingles. This separation process is crucial for meeting recycling requirements and can significantly reduce disposal costs.
Benefits Beyond Compliance
The reduction in landfills is obvious, but many don’t realize that by reusing the oil in the shingles torn off of an average house it will save at least ten new barrels of oil used in asphalt mix. According to studies, asphalt containing recycled shingle material is more durable than asphalt that does not contain recycled shingle material. Asphalt containing recycled shingles resists pot holes, cracking and wear.
The environmental benefits extend beyond simple waste reduction. The carbon emissions reduction potential through asphalt shingle recycling is equivalent to removing over 327,000 vehicles from our roads annually. Shingle recycling reduces the need for virgin materials like asphalt and aggregate in roadways, lowering greenhouse gas emissions equal to nearly 375,000 homes.
Planning Your Phoenix Roof Replacement
Phoenix homeowners should ask potential contractors about their debris disposal and recycling practices before signing contracts. Homeowners and building owners should talk to their roofing contractor about shingle recycling practices to ensure that old shingles are recycled. Homeowners and building owners should talk to their roofing contractor about shingle recycling practices to ensure that old shingles are recycled.
Proper planning can help homeowners avoid unexpected disposal costs while supporting Phoenix’s environmental goals. Recycling old roofing shingles is a practical approach to waste management that offers significant environmental and economic benefits. Recycling shingles conserves resources, saves energy, and reduces landfill waste, all while providing economic advantages to homeowners and the construction industry.
As Phoenix continues to grow and environmental regulations become more stringent, choosing contractors who prioritize proper debris disposal and recycling isn’t just good for the environment—it’s essential for compliance and can save homeowners money in the long run. The future of roofing in Phoenix depends on embracing these sustainable practices today.