In a landmark development for Canada's recycling industry, Northstar Clean Technologies has officially launched the nation's first dedicated asphalt shingle reprocessing facility located just east of Calgary. The Empower Calgary Facility, which began operations on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, represents a significant advancement in construction waste management.
This pioneering commercial operation specializes in breaking down used asphalt shingles into their component materials, creating new economic opportunities while addressing environmental concerns. The facility's opening marks a crucial step toward circular economy principles in Canada's construction sector.
Massive Environmental Impact
The new plant is projected to divert more than 80,000 tons of shingles from landfills each year, processing material from both manufacturing waste and residential roofing projects. This substantial diversion rate addresses one of construction's most persistent waste challenges.
Northstar CEO Aidan Mills explained the dual sourcing strategy: "Shingles for our facility come from two primary sources. We have a contract with IKO manufacturing in Calgary for their production waste, and through our major industrial partner Eco Recycling, we receive shingles collected by roofing contractors during residential re-roofing projects."
How Shingle Recycling Works
The recycling process capitalizes on the fundamental composition of asphalt shingles, which consist of approximately 50% sand, 25% fiber and limestone, and 25% asphalt. Northstar's technology separates these components for reuse in various industrial applications.
"The economic model provides value through multiple streams," Mills detailed. "We receive tipping fees for accepting the shingles, similar to landfill charges, while simultaneously producing commercially valuable materials from the separated components."
Currently, the facility employs approximately 20 workers operating a single shift, with potential for expansion as operations scale up. The strategic location east of Calgary positions the plant to serve both the municipal and regional construction markets effectively.
Future Expansion Plans
Building on the Calgary success, Northstar has already selected a second Canadian location in Hamilton, Ontario, with additional development planned for the United States market. The company also maintains a pilot plant in Delta, British Columbia, scheduled for retrofitting following the Ontario expansion.
Mills emphasized the substantial market opportunity: "When you consider that approximately 1.5 million tons of shingles enter Canadian landfills annually, with another 15 million tons in the United States, the potential for growth is significant. This technology addresses a major environmental challenge across North America."
The timing aligns perfectly with municipal sustainability initiatives, as Northstar has secured a five-year agreement with the City of Calgary set to commence in April 2026. This partnership coincides with the city's planned relaunch of its shingle recycling program, creating a seamless infrastructure for diverting roofing materials from landfills.
