As more homeowners look to sustainable building practices, metal roof recycling offers a solution with minimal maintenance requirements, extreme weather resilience, energy efficiency, and an unlimited lifespan due to full recyclability.
Recycling metal roofs also provides significant environmental benefits by reducing the need for raw materials, lowering energy consumption, and diverting waste from landfills.
The Problem With Asphalt Shingles
A recent Yale study found that asphalt roofing shingles are a significant contributor to urban air pollution, releasing volatile organic compounds on hot sunny days similarly to vehicle emissions.
Beyond air quality concerns, asphalt shingle waste represents a massive solid waste problem. Forbes reports that over 13 million tons of asphalt shingles enter landfills annually in the U.S. New manufacturing techniques to increase recycled content in asphalt shingles have only achieved around 15% recycled materials so far. The performance and longevity of these products remains unproven.
In areas prone to hail, hurricanes, and other extreme weather, asphalt can fail prematurely, exacerbating environmental impacts. While a portion of asphalt shingle waste is recycled into pavement aggregates, only 31 states currently allow this application, and pavement recycling accounts for less than 10% of asphalt shingle waste nationwide, according to a 2017 U.S. Department of Transportation report.
More Sustainable Metal Roofing Solutions
Metal roofing materials offer a high recycled content-building solution with proven extreme weather resilience. Unlike asphalt, metal can be recycled infinitely without degrading its material qualities.
Recycling metal into new roofing products significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to using raw materials. The National Institutes of Health reports:
- 94% of the natural resources used by Americans are non-renewable.
- It takes 95% less energy to recycle aluminum than it does to make it from raw materials.
- Using scrap steel instead of virgin ore to make new steel takes 40% less water and creates 97% less mining waste.
Responsibly sourced metal roofing contains a minimum of 25% recycled content, often much higher. So when researching metal roofs, look for the recycled material percentage.
How Metal Roof Recycling Works
When it’s time to recycle a metal roof, contact local metal recycling companies to determine available services. In some cases, your roofing contractor may offer recycling services too.
Once received by a recycling facility, metals are sorted by type and quality. Materials are compacted and shredded into small pieces to be melted efficiently. Steel is formed into blocks, and aluminum into sheets before melting. Metals are melted in a furnace to be purified for reuse in new products like roofing.
Benefits of Metal Roofs
Metal comes in many colors and styles to complement any home’s aesthetics.
Metal’s reflective properties reduce cooling costs. Roofs with a Cool Roof rating save even more.
Properly installed metal roofs last 50+ years.
Metal roofs don’t require regular repairs, re-coats, or cleaning with harsh chemicals.
Metal withstands high winds, hail, snow, and rain with minimal to no damage.
So, Is Recycling Metal Roofs an Effective Sustainability Practice?
Absolutely — metal roof recycling exemplifies the circular economy in action. It significantly reduces the need for mining raw materials and lowers manufacturing energy consumption and pollution. This sustainable building solution also diverts waste from landfills and incineration.
For homeowners seeking an environmentally friendly roof with low maintenance demands and extreme weather resilience, metal roofing offers an optimal solution. The recyclability and longevity of metal roofing materials make them a smart long-term investment in sustainability.
FAQs About Metal Roof Recycling
How do you recycle a metal roof?
Contact local metal recycling companies to inquire about their services. In some cases, your roofing contractor may handle recycling your old roof. Materials are collected, shredded, melted, and purified to make new metal products.
Can you put metal roofing in the recycling bin?
No. Metal roofing recycling requires industrial processes to compact, shred, melt, and reform the metals. Check with your local waste authority about options to recycle metal construction materials.
Is a metal roof worth it?
The higher up-front cost of a metal roof is offset by a service life span of 50+ years, energy efficiency, weather resilience, and low maintenance. Metal is infinitely recyclable, adding sustainability value. For more on metal roof cost, check out our guide.
How long do metal roofs last compared to shingles?
The average asphalt shingle roof lasts 15 to 25 years. Metal roofs last 50+ years with proper installation and maintenance. The longevity and resilience of metal against weather damage make it worth the investment.
Do metal roofs increase home value?
Yes. Metal roofs raise curb appeal and can increase resale value by 1.5x more than shingle roofs. The longevity of metal saves future owners’ roof replacement costs. Energy efficiency savings also add value. For a full overview, see our metal roof options guide
