How to dispose of metal roofing is a nicer problem than tearing off asphalt shingles. Old panels are scrap metal, and scrap yards and transfer station metal piles usually take them, sometimes paying by weight. Sheets in decent shape also have a strong reuse market for barns, sheds, wainscoting, and fences. The main tasks are removing them safely, sorting by metal type, and handling sharp edges during transport.
Reuse first
Corrugated and ribbed panels with only light rust or a few screw holes often sell or give away quickly online. Farmers, hobby builders, and people building chicken coops or lean-tos look for used roofing. Building reuse stores may accept clean, uniform stacks.
Identify the metal
| Metal | How to tell | Scrap notes |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanized or Galvalume steel | Magnetic, gray or painted | Most common; accepted as light steel or tin |
| Aluminum | Not magnetic, lighter | Usually worth more than steel |
| Copper | Reddish, brown, or green patina | Worth much more; keep separate |
| Terne or tin-coated steel | Older roofs, magnetic | Typically handled as steel |
A magnet is the quickest test. Painted aluminum panels look like steel until the magnet slides off.
Removing panels safely
- Use fall protection and work only in dry, calm weather. Metal is slippery.
- Wear cut-resistant gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection.
- Back out screws with a drill rather than prying, to keep panels intact for reuse.
- Lower panels carefully; wind can catch a sheet like a sail.
- Stack panels flat with edges aligned.
For large or steep roofs, hiring a roofer is often safer.
Preparing for the scrap yard
- Pull fasteners, trim, and plastic closures if the yard asks; some accept panels with screws.
- Separate steel from aluminum and copper.
- Remove underlayment, felt, and foam insulation, which go to trash or debris.
- Cut long panels with tin snips or a metal-cutting blade if they will not fit, wearing hearing and eye protection.
Hauling metal roofing
Long sheets hanging off a tailgate are a hazard. Strap stacks down firmly, flag overhangs per local rules, and cover sharp edges. A trailer often works better than a pickup for long panels.
Where it goes
- Scrap yards, which may pay by weight.
- Transfer station metal piles, often free or low cost.
- Roofing contractors, who usually haul old metal as part of a re-roof.
- Dumpsters, though mixing metal with debris can increase costs and waste recyclable material.
If the roof also has shingle layers, see where to take old roof shingles.
How to dispose of metal roofing FAQ
Can old metal roofing be recycled?
Yes. Steel, aluminum, and copper roofing are all accepted at most scrap yards.
Is used metal roofing worth money?
Scrap yards often pay by weight, and good panels can sell for reuse.
Do I need to remove screws before scrapping metal roofing?
Some yards accept panels with fasteners; others ask you to remove them. Call ahead.
How do I tell aluminum roofing from steel?
Use a magnet. Steel is magnetic; aluminum is not.
Can metal roofing go in a dumpster?
Usually, but recycling it separately is often cheaper and keeps metal out of the landfill.
The bottom line
How to dispose of metal roofing: reuse or sell good panels, remove them safely, separate steel, aluminum, and copper, strip underlayment, and take the metal to a scrap yard or transfer station metal pile. Strap and flag long sheets for the drive.
Guides and tools
Shingle disposal guide · Dump cost calculator · All material guides