Roofing felt is not ordinary household plastic or garden waste. Old rolls may contain bitumen, mineral reinforcement, nails and adhesive, while material from an older building can require extra caution before removal.
Quick answer: Keep roofing felt separate and check the recycling centre’s DIY-waste rules, limits and charges. Contractor waste needs a licensed commercial route.
Why the correct route matters
Bituminous sheet is difficult to recycle with packaging and can contaminate wood, rubble or green-waste loads. Heavy rolls and sharp fixings also need controlled handling.
What to know
Do not assume every old roofing product is asbestos-free solely from appearance.
Remove protruding nails only when this can be done safely.
Keep felt dry and rolled or folded into manageable secured sections.
Waste created by a paid roofer is the contractor’s responsibility.
What to do
- Identify the product and approximate age where possible.
- Stop if asbestos or unknown hazardous material is suspected.
- Separate felt from timber, metal and clean rubble.
- Check the site’s booking, weight and charging policy.
- Use a registered carrier for larger or commercial quantities.
Practical details that make a difference
Wear suitable gloves and avoid heating or burning bitumen. Cutting old sheet can release dust and create sharp edges, so minimise unnecessary processing.
Retain usable new offcuts for shed repairs, clearly labelled and stored flat away from heat.
Roofing felt can be heavy and may be mixed with nails, timber, insulation or bituminous material. Separate only what can be handled safely, wear appropriate gloves and package sharp pieces so they cannot puncture a sack. Older roofing layers may involve hazardous materials; if the age or composition is uncertain, stop and obtain competent identification before removal.
Mistakes to avoid
Never put roofing felt in household recycling, burn it or hide it beneath garden waste. Do not break suspected asbestos material.
A better option where possible
Order roof covering accurately and discuss supplier take-back or contractor disposal before work starts.
Explore related help in Council Waste Services.
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Official guidance
See GOV.UK household-waste guidance. Collection facilities vary, so confirm the current instruction for your address before acting.
Sources checked: July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can roofing felt go in a skip?
Only if the skip provider accepts that material and any hazardous-product concern has been resolved.
Is roofing felt recyclable?
Specialist recovery may exist, but ordinary kerbside systems do not accept it.