When you’re carrying out a roof replacement or even a small roof repair, one of the biggest questions is how to deal with the waste. Old tiles, battens, felt, and flashing can quickly pile up, and hiring a skip is often the easiest solution. But not every roofing material is allowed in standard skips, and some require specialist disposal.
This guide explains which roofing materials can go in a skip, what needs separate handling, and how to safely dispose of hazardous waste such as asbestos. It’s written for UK homeowners and tradespeople looking for reliable, up-to-date information on roofing waste disposal.
Why Roofing Waste Needs Proper Disposal
Roof replacements can generate surprisingly large volumes of waste. A typical semi-detached house may produce 2–4 tonnes of old tiles, timber, felt, and general debris. Improper disposal can:
Increase landfill costs
Cause environmental problems
Breach UK waste regulations
Put homeowners and tradespeople at risk
Using a licensed skip hire service ensures your waste is handled safely, legally, and efficiently.
Roofing Materials That CAN Go in a Skip
Most common roofing materials in UK homes can be placed in a general builders’ skip. These include:
Clay Roof Tiles
Clay tiles are widely used across the UK and are fully recyclable. They can safely go into a skip for disposal or recycling.
Concrete Roof Tiles
These are heavy but completely safe to discard in skips. Ensure you choose a large enough skip (8-yard builders’ skip is typical for roof tiles).
Slate Tiles
Natural slate is also allowed in skips. If the tiles are reusable, consider setting some aside for future repairs or offering them to reclamation yards.
Roof Battens and Timber
Old treated roofing timber, battens, and laths can be disposed of in a skip. Remove any nails where possible for safety.
Roofing Felt / Membrane
Traditional bitumen felt and modern breathable membranes can go into a skip as general construction waste.
Lead Flashing
Lead is recyclable and acceptable in skips. Many recycling centres will reclaim it, so don’t mix it with hazardous waste.
Aluminium Flashing
Lightweight, non-hazardous and fully acceptable in a skip.
UPVC Fascias, Soffits & Guttering
These common roofline materials can be placed in a skip. Clean UPVC off-cuts are often recycled.
Nails, Screws & Metal Fixtures
General construction metals are allowed.
Rubble and Mortar
Chimney repairs and ridge tile removal often generate mortar waste—this can go into a skip.
Insulation (Non-Hazardous)
Mineral wool, rock wool, or standard insulation boards may be allowed in skips depending on the skip hire provider. Many accept it as long as it’s bagged to prevent fibres escaping.
Roofing Materials That CANNOT Go in a Skip
Asbestos (Any Type)
Asbestos roof sheets, soffits, felt undercloaking, and insulation board must not be placed in a general skip. This includes:
Asbestos cement roof sheets (common on older garages)
Asbestos soffits
Asbestos insulation board (AIB)
Asbestos-containing roofing felt or tiles
Asbestos is hazardous and tightly regulated under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. It requires licensed asbestos removal and disposal at authorised facilities.
Gas Bottles or Aerosols
Occasionally found during roof clearance—these must be handled separately.
Paint, Chemicals, Tar Buckets
Hazardous waste chemicals or adhesives used in some flat roofing systems cannot be put into standard skips.
Plasterboard (Depending on Provider)
Some skip companies require plasterboard to be bagged separately due to gypsum content.
What Happens to Roofing Waste After It’s Collected?
A reputable skip hire company will ensure your roofing waste is:
Sorted at licensed waste transfer stations
Recycled wherever possible
Diverted from landfill
Disposed of legally according to Environment Agency rules
Typical recycling routes include:
Crushing and reusing tiles and slates as aggregate
Recycling UPVC roofline products into new plastics
Re-melting lead for reuse
Timber processing for biomass or chipboard manufacturing
Asbestos Roofing Waste: What You MUST Know
Although the majority of modern UK roofs contain no asbestos, many older properties still do — especially garages, sheds, and 1950s–1980s housing stock.
Common Roofing Materials That May Contain Asbestos
Corrugated asbestos cement garage roofs
Flat roof felt overlays (some historic products contained asbestos)
Undercloaking boards behind fascia boards
Asbestos soffit panels
AIB in lofts or roof voids
How to Handle Asbestos Safely
Do not break or smash the material.
Do not attempt to dispose of it in a skip.
Wear protective PPE if handling suspected asbestos.
Use a licensed asbestos removal contractor.
Ensure waste goes to a designated hazardous waste facility.
Skip companies in the UK are legally prohibited from transporting asbestos unless they hold the necessary licence.
How Big a Skip Do You Need for Roofing Waste?
The size of skip needed depends on the job:
Small roof repair: 4-yard skip
Garage roof replacement: 6-yard skip
Complete house re-roof: 8-yard or 12-yard builders’ skip
Large detached house: multiple 8-yard skips or a roll-on roll-off container
Remember: heavy materials like roof tiles can quickly reach the skip’s weight limit. Overloading is not allowed.
Tips for Efficient Roofing Waste Disposal
Sort materials as you go. Keep metal, wood, and tile waste separated if possible.
Don’t overload the skip. Waste must sit level with the sides.
Place the skip close to the property. Reduces risk of debris falling outside the skip.
Bag insulation and small scraps. Helps keep dust controlled.
Book your skip in advance. Roofing projects often generate more waste than expected.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a skip is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to dispose of roofing waste during repairs or roof replacements. Most common UK roofing materials — including tiles, slates, timber, felt, lead, and UPVC — can safely go into a skip. However, hazardous materials like asbestos require specialist handling and must never be mixed with general waste.
By choosing a licensed skip hire service, you help ensure that your roofing waste is handled responsibly, recycled where possible, and disposed of in compliance with UK law.
