If you’re renovating or replacing an older roof in Auckland, there’s a good chance you may come across Decramastic tiles. While once a popular roofing option in New Zealand, these tiles can pose serious health and safety risks if not handled correctly — particularly because many older Decramastic tiles may contain asbestos.

In this guide, we explain what Decramastic tiles are, why asbestos is a concern, and how to dispose of them safely and legally. We also explain what can’t go in skip bins, and how Hazibags can help with compliant asbestos disposal.

What Are Decramastic Tiles?

Decramastic tiles are metal roofing tiles coated with stone chips, commonly used on New Zealand homes from the 1960s to late 1980s. They were lightweight, durable, and popular for residential roofing.

However, many Decramastic tiles installed during this period were manufactured using asbestos-containing materials, particularly in the backing or coating layers.

Do Decramastic Tiles Contain Asbestos?

Some Decramastic tiles do contain asbestos, while others do not. Unfortunately, you can’t tell just by looking at them.

If your roof was installed:

Before the 1990s – there is a higher risk asbestos may be present
After the 1990s – asbestos is less likely, but testing is still recommended

The only way to know for sure is to have the material tested by a certified professional.

👉 Important: Asbestos is most dangerous when disturbed. Breaking, cutting, or removing tiles incorrectly can release harmful fibres into the air.

Why Asbestos Is Dangerous

Asbestos fibres are microscopic and can be inhaled without you knowing. Long-term exposure can cause serious illnesses, including:

Asbestosis
Lung cancer
Mesothelioma

Because of these risks, asbestos handling and disposal is strictly regulated in New Zealand.

Can Decramastic Tiles Go in a Skip Bin?

No — asbestos or suspected asbestos materials cannot go in skip bins.

At Pink Bins, we do not accept asbestos in any of our skip bins. This includes:

Decramastic tiles suspected of containing asbestos
Asbestos cement sheets
Roofing underlay or backing with asbestos

Putting asbestos into a skip bin can:

Endanger workers and the public
Contaminate other waste
Result in fines and disposal penalties

👉 Learn more in our guide:
What Can and Can’t Go in a Skip Bin

Hazibags: A Safe Way to Dispose of Asbestos

While asbestos can’t go in skip bins, Pink Bins does supply Hazibags for the safe and compliant disposal of asbestos waste.

Hazibags are:

Heavy-duty, approved asbestos disposal bags
Designed to be sealed and labelled correctly
Accepted at approved asbestos disposal facilities

They are ideal for:

Small quantities of asbestos roofing materials
Decramastic tiles that have tested positive for asbestos
Homeowners and tradies needing a compliant disposal solution

👉 Contact Pink Bins to organise Hazibags for your asbestos waste.
Contact Us

How to Dispose of Decramastic Tiles Safely in Auckland

1. Get the Tiles Tested

Arrange asbestos testing before any demolition or removal begins.

2. Use Licensed Professionals if Required

If asbestos is confirmed, removal must be carried out by licensed asbestos removalists, following strict safety controls.

3. Use Hazibags for Disposal

Approved Hazibags allow asbestos waste to be safely packaged, transported, and disposed of at licensed facilities.

4. Dispose at an Approved Facility

Asbestos waste must be taken to an approved asbestos disposal site.

For official guidance, visit:

What Waste Can Go in a Pink Bins Skip Bin?

Pink Bins provides skip bins for a wide range of non-hazardous waste, including:

General renovation waste
Timber, metal, and plasterboard
Green waste
Household clean-ups

👉 View our services here:
Skip Bin Hire Auckland

Plan Ahead for Roofing Renovations

If you’re replacing a Decramastic roof:

Test materials before removal
Separate asbestos from general waste
Use Hazibags for asbestos
Book skip bins only for approved materials

This ensures your project stays safe, legal, and on schedule.

Responsible Waste Solutions from Pink Bins

At Pink Bins, safety and compliance come first. While asbestos can’t go in our skip bins, we:

Supply Hazibags for asbestos disposal
Provide skip bins for approved renovation waste
Help Auckland homeowners and tradies manage waste responsibly

👉 Get in touch with Pink Bins to discuss Hazibags or book a skip bin today.

Decramastic Tiles: How to Dispose of Them Safely in Auckland