Less garbage may soon go into the Williamson County Landfill thanks to new technology that will allow more waste than ever before to be recycled.

A big part of that will include roofing materials. Approximately 100 tons of roofing shingles go into the Williamson County Landfill every day, according to landfill managers.

However, a new shingle recycling machine is expected to greatly reduce that number.

"We are actually using methane gas that is generated within the landfill that will heat the liquid and bring the shingles to the melting point," said Steve Jacobs, Waste Management.

Once the shingles are melted they will be sent down to a grinder.

"Once it goes through the process it will come out on the back end in a form like this. This will contain everything in the shingle. This can be used in asphalt paving. There is also the potential to use it in the creation of new shingles," Jacobs said.

If the device works, it could be used at other landfills across the country.

Waste Management is also working with another recycling machine in Williamson County that has the ability to separate recycle construction debris such as concrete, metal, wood and even sheetrock.

Tom Harris / KVUE News

Waste Management is still looking for the best ways to use this recycled material.

Both machines should be online in early September if the state approves them.

Danny Woods who visiting the landfill likes the idea.

"If they are going to spend the money, sure, let's do it. I think it should have been done a long time ago," he said.

The new recycling could reduce the amount of trash going into the landfill by as much as 25 to 35 percent.