Re-roofing projects generate tremendous amounts of waste material that should be diverted away from landfills. The PVC roofing industry is committed to increasing the amount of post-consumer recycling of its products.

The U.S. EPA estimates that 332 billion pounds of construction and demolition waste are generated annually (a figure that includes all types of building materials, not just roofing).

PVC (vinyl) roofing membrane has an inherent advantage when it comes to recycling, as it can be recycled and remade into new products over and over again without loss of key physical properties.

Recycled PVC roofing can contribute to both closed-loop and open-loop processes. In a closed loop process, PVC roofing is recycled and used to make new PVC roofing membranes, roof walkways, and accessories. In an open-loop process, PVC roofing is recycled and used to make products other than roofing. These products often include flooring, landscape expansion joints, and other products. Both closed and open loop processes will avoid landfilling and contribute to carbon reduction.

Recycling a mechanically fastened PVC single-ply roof is accomplished by first removing it from the roof system in a process called skinning then bundling and transporting it to various recyclers to be recycled or repurposed. This eliminates the need for the landfilling of the membrane and reduces the cost of roof disposal.

While skinning and bundling does add to the overall cost of a reroofing project, some of that can be offset with elimination of landfill fees and increased building value helping to achieve or maintain green building certifications. PVC roof recycling can also help companies achieve sustainability goals related to carbon reductions while adding to their environmental story and sustainability message.

In 2023 alone, 1.24 million pounds of post-consumer PVC roofing materials were recycled. In the past decade, 10.3 million pounds were recycled. The PVC roofing industry’s goal is to increase the number of PVC roof membrane recovery projects each year, resulting in an increased amount of material being diverted from landfills.