Roof tear-off dumpsters
Roofing Dumpster Rental
Most single-layer roofs up to about 25 squares fit a 20-yard dumpster with 3 tons included. Smaller roofs fit a 15-yard; two-layer roofs need a 30-yard or a swap. Book by 3 PM for next-day delivery, and the driver texts 20 to 30 minutes before arrival.
What size dumpster do I need for my roof?
Size a roofing dumpster by weight, not volume. If your bundles weigh 80 lb, one square of asphalt shingles (3 bundles) weighs 240 lb. A 20-yard includes 3 tons, so it covers about 25 squares of one layer. Two layers double the weight.
| Roof | Shingle weight | Tons | Size that keeps you in the included tons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 squares, 1 layer | 2,400 lb | 1.2 tons | 15-yard |
| 10 squares, 2 layers | 4,800 lb | 2.4 tons | 20-yard |
| 15 squares, 1 layer | 3,600 lb | 1.8 tons | 15-yard |
| 15 squares, 2 layers | 7,200 lb | 3.6 tons | 30-yard |
| 20 squares, 1 layer | 4,800 lb | 2.4 tons | 20-yard |
| 20 squares, 2 layers | 9,600 lb | 4.8 tons | 30-yard plus a swap |
| 25 squares, 1 layer | 6,000 lb | 3.0 tons | 20-yard |
| 25 squares, 2 layers | 12,000 lb | 6.0 tons | 30-yard plus a swap |
| 30 squares, 1 layer | 7,200 lb | 3.6 tons | 30-yard |
| 30 squares, 2 layers | 14,400 lb | 7.2 tons | 30-yard plus a swap |
| 40 squares, 1 layer | 9,600 lb | 4.8 tons | 30-yard plus a swap |
| 40 squares, 2 layers | 19,200 lb | 9.6 tons | 30-yard plus a swap |
How to work out your shingle weight
Multiply your bundle weight by 3 bundles per square, then by the number of squares and layers. The weight of each bundle is printed on its wrapper, and architectural shingles usually weigh more than 3-tab. Example: 80 lb × 3 = 240 lb per square; 25 squares × 240 lb = 6,000 lb, which is 3 tons.
Source: the weight printed on your shingle bundle wrapper (80 lb here is an example, not a standard). Underlayment, nails and old decking add weight; leave a margin.
Will the dumpster be there before my crew?
Book by 3:00 PM and the roofing dumpster arrives the next day between 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The driver texts or calls 20 to 30 minutes ahead, and nobody needs to be home if the drop spot is clear. Same-day requests carry a $50 rush fee when a truck is free.
Where should a roofing dumpster go?
Put the roofing dumpster as close to the roof edge you will tear off as the driveway allows, so shingles slide off a tarp or chute straight into the box. Keep it off septic lids and soft lawn. Our drivers set boards under the rails on concrete and asphalt.
If debris drops more than 20 ft outside the building walls, OSHA requires an enclosed chute: 29 CFR 1926.252(a). That is the law; a tarp-and-slide setup is our suggestion for lower roofs.
What if the roof is bigger than one dumpster?
A large or two-layer roof usually needs a swap. We pull the full dumpster and drop an empty one; each swap counts as a new rental with its own 7 days and included tons. Call when the first box is level-full so the second arrives before the crew runs out of room.
Your roofing dumpster bill
A roofing bill is the quoted rental plus any weight over the included tons at $75 per ton, pro-rated by the pound. You get the certified landfill scale ticket with the final invoice, so you can match the shingle weight to the charge.
Read the full method in how dumpster weight is billed, or see every possible charge in the dumpster rental cost guide.
Questions renters ask
How many squares fit in a 20-yard roofing dumpster?
A 20-yard dumpster fits about 25 squares of one-layer asphalt shingles before passing its 3 included tons, at 240 lb per square. For two layers, plan on about 12 squares per 20-yard, or use a 30-yard.
Can I put roofing felt, nails and flashing in the dumpster?
Felt underlayment, nails, drip edge, flashing and old decking all go in a roofing dumpster. They add weight, so keep a margin under the included tons. Tar buckets with wet product inside and solvents are not allowed.
Do I need a chute for a roof tear-off?
OSHA requires an enclosed chute when debris drops more than 20 ft outside the exterior walls of a building. Most one-story and many two-story tear-offs fall under that height. Check the drop height on your job.
Can the dumpster go on the street in front of the house?
A dumpster on a public street usually needs a city right-of-way permit. Driveway placement avoids that step for most homes. Your city page links the official permit rule.
Talk to the dispatcher, not a call center
Schedule your tear-off dumpster
Give us the squares, layers and tear-off date. We'll match the size and the delivery day.