Recycling Metal Roofs: Why It Matters & Where to Start

Swapping out an old metal roof for a new one can feel like a breath of fresh air for your home or building. But what happens to all that discarded roofing material? Tossing it away only adds to landfill waste and squanders valuable resources. Instead, recycling old metal roofing has become the gold standard for construction waste disposal. It’s not just an eco-friendly choice–it’s a smart decision for your wallet and our planet. 

This blog will walk you through why recycling metal roofing is so valuable, the types of metal roofing you can recycle, and how to find a trustworthy recycling center in Indianapolis. 

Call 317-244-0700 to Recycle Metal Roofing in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-244-0700 to Recycle Metal Roofing in Indianapolis Indiana

Why Recycle Metal Roofing? 

Recycling isn’t just a matter of convenience or compliance; it’s a meaningful action with far-reaching benefits. Here’s why recycling your old metal roof makes so much sense. 

1. Environmental Benefits 

Metal recycling is a game-changer for the planet. Every ton of steel recycled saves a significant amount of resources, including 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone. Not to mention, recycling steel uses 74% less energy than producing it from raw materials. 

Then there’s aluminum. Did you know aluminum can be recycled endlessly without losing its quality? What’s more, recycling aluminum takes 95% less energy compared to creating it from raw resources. Imagine the energy saved and pollution reduced when old aluminum roofing sections are recycled rather than discarded. 

Recycling metal also substantially reduces pollution:

  • Air pollution decreases by 86%.
  • Water pollution drops by 76%. 

When you recycle old metal roofing, you’re directly helping conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and cut back on landfill waste. 

2. Economic Advantages 

The metal recycling industry plays a massive role in the economy. It generates approximately $275 billion in annual revenue in the U.S. alone, creating jobs and fueling local economies. 

For homeowners, there’s a potential financial upside as well. Many recycling centers pay for scrap materials, so your old roof could turn into cash in your pocket. For example, current scrap metal prices in Indianapolis include:

  • Steel: $150 – $250 per ton 
  • Aluminum: $0.50 – $0.75 per pound 
  • Copper: $2.50 – $3.00 per pound 

These prices can vary depending on factors like metal purity, market conditions, and recycling facility. But either way, recycling allows you to offset costs, making your roofing project that much more affordable. 

Get a Free Offer for Your Scrap Today!

Types of Metal Roofing Suitable for Recycling 

Wondering if your old roof qualifies for recycling? Fortunately, many types of metal roofing are recyclable, ensuring you can responsibly dispose of most materials. 

Steel Roofing 

Steel roofing is particularly sought-after for recycling thanks to its durability and widespread use. Given that steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world, there’s an incredible infrastructure in place to process it. 

Aluminum Roofing 

Lightweight yet strong, aluminum roofing is another excellent candidate for recycling. Its endless recyclability (without degrading in quality) ensures your old panels will be given new life in other applications. 

Copper Roofing 

Copper roofing is highly valuable. While the upfront costs of copper as a roofing material are steep, it holds its value over time, fetching high scrap prices when recycling. 

Other Materials 

Additional types of recyclable metal roofing include zinc, tin, and alloys. Always check with your local recycling center to confirm whether they accept your specific roofing material. 

Finding a Reputable Metal Recycling Center in Indianapolis 

Whether you’re a homeowner managing a roof replacement or a contractor clearing debris from a demolition site, finding a trustworthy scrap metal recycling center is key. Here are some tips to get you started. 

✅ Look for Certifications 

A reputable metal recycling center should have the proper certifications, such as those from the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) or state-level environmental agencies. These certifications ensure the center operates in compliance with environmental and industry standards. 

✅ Ask Questions 

Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and verify details before showing up with your roofing materials. Consider asking:

  • Do you accept the type of metal I’m recycling? 
  • What are your processing fees (if any)? 
  • Are there specific requirements or preparation guidelines (e.g., cleaning off adhesives or screws)? 
  • What are your current scrap metal prices for my material? 

Being prepared helps simplify the process and ensures you get the best value for your materials. 

✅ Check Reviews and Recommendations 

Online reviews and referrals from other homeowners or contractors can offer valuable insights into the quality of service and transparency of local recycling centers.  

Popular Options in Indianapolis 

Some recycling centers in Indianapolis specialize in construction waste disposal and metal recycling. A quick online search for “metal recycling near me” will provide you with options, but be sure to research and trust only licensed operations like ours at Zore’s Recycling.

Transform Your Roof and Help the Planet 

Recycling old metal roofing isn’t just an option; it’s the environmentally responsible and economically savvy choice. By diverting your scrap construction materials from landfills, you contribute to a cleaner environment, conserve resources, and might even make some extra money along the way. 

If you’re not sure how to get started, we’re here to help! Contact Zore’s Recycling today for expert guidance and to connect with leading metal recycling facilities in Indianapolis. Together, we can make your roof removal project seamless and sustainable. 

Call Now to Get Started!

Related Post: A Guide to Construction Scrap Recycling for Builders and Demolition Pros

Why You Should Recycle Old Metal Roofing

Our country’s focus on eco-conscious initiatives continue to grow with each passing year. One of the largest growing enterprises is the recycling industry. More families and business owners are recycling goods than ever before! Things like paper, plastic, glass, and metal are easy-to-find recyclables, and can be repurposed and reused over and over again. Furthermore, innovative technologies and advances in reprocessing equipment has made the development of recycling easier and more efficient, as well as, given our society convenient ways to get involved.

Unfortunately, our society uses a lot and produces a lot of waste. One of the largest waste-producing industries is construction. Recycling construction waste is economically viable, and offers significant benefits for our society and surrounding environment. One impactful contribution is metal roof recycling. Just like most construction waste, metal roofing is often plentiful, heavy, and mostly non-degradable; so, they take up a lot of room in landfills, and last a very long time.

Continue reading to learn why it is so important to recycle old metal roofing, and how it can also make you some money.

Metal Recycling Center
Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Roof Recycling Basics

Recycling construction waste like metal roofing can render a wide range of benefits. Not only does it reduce the need to use up primary resources and supports a more sustainable future, it creates less waste and decreases construction costs. Metal retains its valuable chemical properties even after it is melted and repurposed. Recycled metal roofing can be repurposed for energy production, ecological applications, new roof materials, and much more.

The Process of Recycling Metal Roofing

As a homeowner or contractor who is replacing a metal roof, you can request to retain the waste left over from your roof demolition if you wish to recycle the waste in an effort to support your local community and environment. There is a lot of waste produced by metal roof demolition and replacement, so be sure you have the necessary resources prepared, such as a truck or trailer, and large bags or boxes.

If you are interested in learning more about recycling scrap metal in your community, contact a licensed Indianapolis metal recycling company for information and advice you can trust. They will pay you cash on the spot for your scrap metal roofing and metal waste!

How to Recycle Metal Roofing in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle metal roofing and construction materials in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only has Zore’s Inc. been a family owned and operated company for over 75 years, we pay cash on the spot for your metal commodities. We accept cans, sheet metal, appliances, vehicles, auto parts, equipment, and more! Request a free estimate, today.