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How to Recycle Metal Roofing
Check local acceptanceScrap prices move with markets. Aluminum panels and copper flashings pay more than painted steel. Call the yard for today's steel and aluminum sheet prices.Last reviewed July 31, 2026
Quick answer
Metal roofing is scrap metal. Sort steel from aluminum, keep panels reasonably clean, and take them to a scrap yard. Intact panels may also sell for reuse. Paint does not block recycling. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- Scrap prices move with markets. Aluminum panels and copper flashings pay more than painted steel. Call the yard for today's steel and aluminum sheet prices.
- Donate / take-back
- Available
Steel and aluminum roofing panels, flashing, and trim from tear-off or leftover stock. EPA C&D steel generation was about 4.7 million tons in 2018, with relatively high next-use recovery compared with wood, gypsum, or shingles. Scrap yards buy the metal; reuse markets take sound panels when sizes match.
Where to Recycle
- Scrap metal yards
- C&D facilities that sort metals
- Architectural salvage for reusable panels
- Roofing contractors who scrap tear-offs
How to Prepare
- 1Sort ferrous (magnetic steel) from aluminum and copper flashings.
- 2Remove wood nailers, insulation, and heavy asphalt underlayment clinging to panels.
- 3Bundle or stack panels so the yard can weigh and grade them.
- 4Keep painted steel separate only if the yard pays differently for it.
- 5Save reusable full-length panels for salvage sale or donation.
Special Instructions
Aluminum usually pays more per pound than painted steel. Mixing them in one dumpster gets you the lower blended price. Screws and clips are fine in scrap loads; wood and foam insulation are not. Foam-backed sandwich panels may need stripping or may be rejected.
Environmental Impact
Scrap steel and aluminum return to mills via magnets and eddy-current sorting at C&D and scrap facilities. EPA 2018 put C&D metal next use well above landfill for this stream relative to wood or gypsum. Recycling aluminum uses far less energy than primary smelting. Keeping metal roofing out of mixed C&D also lowers tip fees.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Resell or donate usable leftover panels
- Reuse on sheds, barns, and temporary structures
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Steel and aluminum roofing panels
- Metal flashing, gutters, and trim
- Copper valleys and decorative metal (sort separately)
Not Accepted
- Panels glued to foam board or heavy wood decks still attached
- Asbestos cement roofing mistaken for metal
- Tar-covered debris that the yard rejects as contaminated
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: Scrap prices move with markets. Aluminum panels and copper flashings pay more than painted steel. Call the yard for today's steel and aluminum sheet prices.
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
Hazardous Components
- Sharp edges and fasteners
- Lead paint possible on very old coated metals
- Possible asbestos in accompanying older roofing layers
FAQs
Do scrap yards take painted metal roofing?
Yes. Paint is normal on steel roofing. You will not get bare-metal prices, but painted panels still sell as scrap steel.
Should I remove the screws?
Not required for scrap. Remove wood strips and insulation so you are not paying to haul trash or getting a contamination deduction.
Is standing-seam aluminum worth separating?
Yes. Aluminum should not go in the ferrous pile. Keep it separate for a higher payout.
Can Habitat use old metal roofing?
Some ReStores take unused or lightly used panels. Torn, bent tear-off usually goes to scrap instead. Call first.
What about insulated metal panels?
Foam-backed panels may need the foam stripped or may be rejected. Ask the yard how they price sandwich panels before you demolish a large roof.
Recycle metal roofing
Search recycling centers by city or ZIP, or explore more construction materials.