TechNews: Helping Roofers Win with Rooftop Recycling

Versico and Nationwide Foam Recycling are making tear-off recycling simpler, smarter, and more valuable for contractors.

Roof tear-offs have traditionally meant dumpsters, disposal fees, and valuable materials heading to the landfill. But as building owners, architects, and contractors place greater emphasis on sustainability and jobsite efficiency, rooftop recycling is becoming a practical way to reduce waste, control costs, and create new value from existing roof systems.

In a recent RoofersCoffeeShop^® webinar, representatives from Versico Roofing Systems, Nationwide Foam Recycling, and the contractor community discussed how recycling can fit into real roofing projects, from planning and pickup to crew execution and rebate opportunities.

Why Rooftop Recycling Matters

For contractors, recycling is not only about environmental responsibility. It can also help reduce disposal costs, limit jobsite delays caused by dumpster swaps, and support owners with sustainability or ESG goals. For manufacturers, recycling creates opportunities to keep post-consumer materials in use and explore future product circularity. For recycling partners, it provides a streamlined path for reclaiming material that still has life beyond the roof.

Versico’s Role in Making Recycling Easier

Versico’s approach focuses on simplifying the process for contractors while supporting broader sustainability goals. By working with Nationwide Foam Recycling, Versico helps connect contractors with a recycling partner that can coordinate logistics, review project details, and manage material pickup. The goal is to make recycling feel less like an added burden and more like a repeatable part of the tear-off process. Versico also offers resources that walk contractors through eligible materials, project requirements, and rebate opportunities. Once recyclable membrane is returned and the new roof system is completed, eligible projects may qualify for a rebate based on the amount of membrane recycled.

Nationwide Foam Recycling Keeps the Process Practical

Nationwide Foam Recycling helps make rooftop recycling workable in the field by keeping the process straightforward. Contractors collect qualifying tear-off materials, stack or palletize them according to the recycling partner’s requirements, and coordinate pickup once enough material is ready. Nationwide Foam Recycling then handles the material after pickup, helping divert usable insulation and membrane from landfills and move it toward secondary use.

Common recyclable materials include dry, mold-free rigid insulation such as polyiso, EPS, and XPS, as well as eligible EPDM, TPO, and PVC membrane from appropriate tear-off applications. Keeping materials clean, dry, and organized is key to helping the process run smoothly.

Contractors Turn Recycling into Jobsite Advantage

From the contractor perspective, successful recycling starts before the first piece of membrane comes off the roof. Crews need a plan for identifying recyclable material, separating it from general waste, and staging it in a way that allows for efficient loading. While there may be a learning curve at first, contractors who build recycling into daily jobsite execution can create a cleaner, more organized work area and reduce reliance on repeated dumpster swaps.

What Makes a Good Recycling Project? Good candidates for recycling are typically larger tear-off projects with mechanically attached or ballasted systems, dry recoverable insulation, and membrane that can be removed with limited contamination.

Common Misconceptions About Rooftop Recycling

“It’s too complicated.” Recycling requires planning, but the process can be simple when expectations are clear. Contractors identify recyclable material, stack or palletize it properly, coordinate pickup, and load the truck.

“It’s too expensive.” Avoided landfill and dumpster costs can be substantial, especially on projects with large volumes of insulation. Rebate programs may also help offset additional labor associated with membrane preparation.

“It takes too much labor.” Recycling does require crews to separate materials, but many contractors find the process becomes manageable once the crew understands the workflow. A cleaner staging area can also reduce downtime and improve jobsite organization.

How to Get Started

1. Review the project scope and confirm whether the existing roof system includes recyclable membrane or insulation.
2. Contact the recycling partner early with the project location, schedule, roof size, and estimated material quantities.
3. Plan jobsite staging so recyclable materials can be separated, kept clean, and loaded efficiently.
4. Coordinate pickup once the required material volume is ready.
5. Submit the necessary project documentation to confirm recycling and support any eligible rebate opportunities.

The Bottom Line Rooftop recycling gives roofers a way to benefit the environment and their business. With the right planning, the right partners, and a clear process for crews, tear-off materials can become more than waste; they can become an opportunity to reduce costs, support sustainability goals, and keep valuable materials in use.

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Additional Resources:

Webinar Recording: How Roofers Win with Recycling
Authorized Contractor Recycling Map
Rooftop Recycling Process Video
Versico Rooftop Recycling Program Sell Sheet
Rooftop Recycling Rebate Incentive Program Information