Construction recycling
How to Recycle Metal Roofing
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.
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.
- 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
How to Prepare
- 1Sort ferrous (magnetic steel) from aluminum and copper flashings.
- 2Remove wood nailers, insulation, and heavy asphalt underlayment clinging to panels.