How to Recycle Metal Roofing
Steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and other metal roofing materials from residential and commercial buildings offering 100% recyclability and significant scrap value. Metal roofing already contains 25-95% recycled content depending on type, making it one of the most sustainable roofing choices with infinite recyclability and substantial environmental benefits throughout its lifecycle.
- 1Remove all fasteners including screws, clips, and mounting hardware using appropriate tools
- 2Separate materials by metal type - steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc require different processing
- 3Remove gutters, flashing, and trim pieces - these may be different metals or alloys
- 4Clean off coatings, paint, or protective films when possible to improve scrap value
- 5Sort by metal grade and thickness - structural vs. decorative materials
- 6Remove insulation, underlayment, and non-metal roofing components
- 7Inspect for galvanized coatings that may affect recycling value
- 8Bundle or stack similar materials together for efficient transport
- 9Document metal types and approximate weights for scrap dealer negotiation
- 10Check for specialty alloys or architectural metals that may have premium value
- Scrap metal dealers and recycling centers with metal separation capabilities
- Metal roofing manufacturers with take-back programs for their products
- Roofing contractors offering comprehensive recycling services
- Steel mills and metal smelting operations accepting construction scrap
- Aluminum recycling facilities specializing in construction materials
- Copper recovery operations for high-value non-ferrous metals
- Construction and demolition waste facilities with metal separation
Copper has the highest scrap value of any roofing metal and should be kept completely separate from other materials. Aluminum recycling requires 95% less energy than new production, making it extremely valuable. Steel roofing may have various coatings affecting value. Never mix ferrous (steel) with non-ferrous (aluminum, copper) metals as this reduces overall scrap value significantly.
Metal roofing recycling provides massive environmental benefits: aluminum recycling saves 95% energy and reduces CO2 emissions by 92% vs. virgin production. Steel recycling saves 60% energy and reduces air pollution by 86%, water use by 40%. Copper recycling uses only 15% of virgin production energy and reduces CO2 by 65%. Metal roofing lasts 50+ years and can be recycled infinitely without quality loss, representing ultimate sustainability.
- Architectural salvage operations for reusable metal roofing materials
- Direct reuse in agricultural or industrial building applications
- Art and craft applications using decorative metal roofing materials
- Donation to Habitat for Humanity or similar organizations
- On-site reuse for outbuildings, sheds, or temporary structures
Accepted
- Steel roofing panels including galvanized and coated materials
- Aluminum roofing sheets, standing seam, and corrugated panels
- Copper roofing materials including sheets, shingles, and soldering
- Zinc roofing panels and specialty architectural metal materials
- Stainless steel roofing components and flashing materials
- Metal gutters, downspouts, and drainage components
- Structural metal roofing supports and mounting systems
Not Accepted
- Mixed metal assemblies that cannot be easily separated
- Metal roofing with excessive non-metal attachments or coatings
- Composite roofing materials with metal components embedded
- Severely contaminated metals with oils, chemicals, or hazardous materials
- Metal roofing mixed with asbestos or other hazardous building materials
- Painted metal where lead content is unknown (pre-1978 buildings)
- Metal roofing assemblies with complex electronic or solar components
Estimated value: Copper $3.50-4.50 per pound, aluminum $0.50-0.90 per pound, steel $0.08-0.15 per pound, pricing varies with market conditions and material cleanliness
How much recycled content is in new metal roofing?
Steel contains 25-35% recycled content, aluminum roofing is nearly 95% recycled material, copper contains approximately 75% recycled content, and zinc averages 9% recycled content. This high recycled content makes metal roofing inherently sustainable.
What makes copper roofing so valuable for recycling?
Copper has the highest scrap value of any building metal, currently $3.50-4.50 per pound. It's 100% recyclable without quality loss and retains value even with patina or weathering. The high value makes copper theft a concern during construction.
Can painted or coated metal roofing be recycled?
Yes, most coatings burn off during smelting without affecting recyclability. However, cleaner materials command higher prices. Lead-based paint on pre-1978 buildings may require special handling due to environmental regulations.
How does metal roofing recycling compare to other roofing materials?
Metal roofing is 100% recyclable with high scrap value, while asphalt shingles have limited recycling (10% rate) and other materials often go to landfills. Metal's infinite recyclability and longevity make it the most sustainable roofing choice.
What's the environmental impact of metal roofing production vs. recycling?
Recycling uses dramatically less energy: aluminum 95% less, steel 60% less, copper 85% less than virgin production. This translates to massive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption throughout the lifecycle.
Can I recycle metal roofing myself or do I need professional services?
Simple residential projects can be DIY if you can safely separate metal types and transport to scrap dealers. Complex commercial roofing or mixed materials benefit from professional services that maximize value and ensure proper handling.
How should different metal types be sorted for maximum value?
Keep ferrous (steel) separate from non-ferrous (aluminum, copper, zinc). Within categories, separate by alloy and cleanliness. Copper should be completely isolated as contamination with other metals significantly reduces its premium value.
What factors affect metal roofing scrap prices?
Global metal commodity prices, material cleanliness, separation quality, quantity, and local market conditions. Copper and aluminum are more volatile than steel. Clean, separated materials always command higher prices than mixed loads.
Are there take-back programs for metal roofing?
Some manufacturers offer take-back programs, especially for large commercial projects. These programs often provide the best environmental outcome and may offer competitive pricing compared to general scrap dealers.
How long does metal roofing typically last before replacement?
Steel roofing lasts 40-70 years, aluminum 50+ years, copper 100+ years with minimal maintenance. This longevity means less frequent replacement and recycling compared to other roofing materials, reducing overall environmental impact.