TOLEDO, Ohio -- Nov. 3, 2009 -- Owens Corning announced through its roofing business that it will provide a new program that simplifies recycling asphalt shingles for its Preferred Roofing Contractors. The company is the first roofing manufacturer to connect contractors with convenient recycling facilities through a national strategic alliance.

Based on a pilot conducted in Indiana, Owens Corning will roll out the program nationally, starting in the Midwest. As part of the program, contractors pledge to recycle their shingle tear-offs. In addition to keeping shingle waste out of landfills, contractors benefit by promoting sustainable business practices to homeowners.

"While the technology exists to recycle asphalt shingles, we are making it efficient and cost-effective for our contractors," said Sheree Bargabos, president of Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt, LLC. "This program makes recycling easy, and provides our contractor network with an opportunity to clearly differentiate themselves by providing a complete roofing system including a sustainable end-of-life recycling option for old shingles."

Owens Corning is working with Heritage Environmental Services, the largest privately-held environmental services company in the United States. Heritage will provide dedicated, convenient drop-off centers that will recycle and process shingle tear-offs.