PVC can readily be heated and reprocessed without significant loss of key physical properties
Re-roofing projects generate tremendous amounts of waste material that should be diverted away from landfills. The PVC (vinyl) roofing industry is committed to increasing the amount of post-consumer recycling of its products.
According to the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association, 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 significant 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, 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 removal and bundling do add to the overall cost of a re-roofing project, some of that is offset with the 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.
For more information, read the white paper “Increasing Sustainability in the Low-Slope Roof Market through PVC (Vinyl) Membrane Recycling” here.
