Old corrugated iron roofing sheets can be recycled, repurposed, or taken to your local transfer station — but safe handling is essential. Sharp edges, rusty fixings, and the potential presence of hazardous materials like asbestos-containing coatings mean you need to plan carefully before you start. Here's what every NZ homeowner should know.
Check for Asbestos Before You Touch Anything
This is the most important step. Some older corrugated roofing — particularly sheets installed before the mid-1980s — may have been coated with or manufactured alongside asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Corrugated iron itself is steel, but associated flashings, ridge caps, or underlay materials from that era could contain asbestos.
If your home was built or re-roofed before 1990, treat the materials as potentially hazardous until proven otherwise. Do not disturb, cut, or break any suspect material. Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removal contractor to test and, if necessary, safely remove it. WorkSafe NZ has detailed guidance on working with asbestos, including legal requirements for removal and disposal.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Removal
Even clean corrugated iron is hazardous to handle. Before you start:
- Wear heavy-duty leather or cut-resistant gloves — sheet edges and old screws are razor sharp
- Use safety glasses or goggles to protect against rust flakes and debris
- Wear sturdy boots (steel-capped if possible)
- Long sleeves and trousers protect against cuts and scratches
- If sheets are rusty or dusty, a P2 dust mask is a sensible precaution
Never work on a roof alone. Have a second person on the ground to assist and in case of emergency.
Safe Removal from the Roof
Before removing sheets, make sure your roof access is safe:
- Use a rated ladder secured at the top and footed on firm, level ground
- Work on a dry, calm day — wet or windy conditions make roof work extremely dangerous
- Use roof brackets or a chicken ladder (roof ladder) to spread your weight and avoid slipping
- Remove fixings (screws or nails) carefully; old nails may be brittle and snap
- Pass sheets down to a helper rather than dropping them — falling corrugated iron is a serious hazard
For large roofs or steep pitches, this work is best left to a qualified roofer. You can find experienced local roofers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Handling and Stacking Sheets Safely
Once sheets are off the roof:
- Stack them flat on the ground, not leaning against walls or fences where they can fall
- Keep stacks low — no more than 10–15 sheets high
- Secure the stack if leaving it overnight so wind cannot catch the sheets
- Keep children and pets well away from the work area
- Wear gloves whenever moving individual sheets
Your Disposal Options
Corrugated iron is predominantly steel, which makes it highly recyclable. Here are your main options:
| Option | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Metal recycler / scrap yard | Most towns have a scrap metal dealer who will take steel roofing. You may even receive a small payment per kg. | Usually free or paid to you |
| Council transfer station / refuse station | Most NZ councils accept metal roofing at their transfer stations. Fees vary by council and weight. | Moderate fee |
| Kerbside collection | Some councils offer inorganic or bulky item collections — check with your local council. | May be free or low cost |
| Reuse / sell | Corrugated iron is popular for garden projects, fencing, and retaining walls. List on Trade Me or Facebook Marketplace. | Free to you |
| Roofing contractor take-away | Many roofers will remove and dispose of old roofing as part of a re-roofing job. | Included in quote |
Contact your local council or check their website for the nearest transfer station and current fees before you load up the trailer.
What You Cannot Do
- Do not burn corrugated iron — it is metal and will not burn, and burning associated materials (old paint, coatings) can release toxic fumes
- Do not dump it illegally — fly-tipping is an offence under the Waste Minimisation Act and can result in significant fines
- Do not put it in your general rubbish bin — it will not be accepted
- Do not cut or grind asbestos-containing materials without proper licensing and controls
Reusing Old Corrugated Iron
If the sheets are in reasonable condition, reuse is the most sustainable option. Old corrugated iron is sought after for:
- Garden raised beds and feature walls
- Rural fencing and shelters
- Retaining walls (check with your council if a building consent is required for retaining walls over 1.5 m)
- Architectural feature cladding
Check that any sheets you reuse are structurally sound and free from excessive rust or perforation before repurposing them in a structural or weatherproofing role.
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed roofer if:
- Your roof is steep, high, or difficult to access safely
- You suspect asbestos-containing materials are present (call a licensed asbestos assessor first)
- The volume of material is large and you lack the equipment to handle it safely
- You are unsure about the structural condition of the roof framing once sheets are removed
For asbestos concerns specifically, WorkSafe NZ sets out the legal requirements, including when licensed removal is mandatory. Always confirm any building consent requirements for re-roofing work with your local council — MBIE Building Performance has guidance on what work requires consent under the Building Act.
Roofing Association of NZ (RANZ)
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
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