The right dumpster size depends on your roof size and the total roofing squares being removed. For most residential projects, a 20-yard or 23-yard dumpster works well to handle roofing shingles, underlayment, and other materials. If your roof has multiple layers or heavier materials like architectural shingles, you may need to go with a larger size container to avoid exceeding the weight limit.

A good rule of thumb is that one roofing square (100 square feet of roof) generates about 250-300 pounds of debris. If your roof is 2,000 square feet, you’re looking at roughly 20 roofing squares of waste. The number of layers also affects the total weight, as tearing off multiple layers means hauling away more material. The actual number depends, of course, on your specific roofing project. 

Weight limits vary by dumpster company and dumpster service, but roofing debris can add up fast. Standard dumpsters can usually handle about 2-4 tons, but heavier materials like multiple layers of shingles or tile roofing may require special consideration. We’ll guide you on the best rental sizes based on your roofing square footage to avoid overloading.

Architectural shingles are denser than standard three-tab shingles, so they add more weight per roofing square. While they take up about the same amount of space, they can quickly approach the weight limit for a standard dumpster. For roofing companies handling a roof tear with these materials, choosing a slightly larger dumpster can help avoid overage charges.

If you’re removing multiple layers of shingles, you’ll generate significantly more waste than a single-layer roof tear. A roof with two or three layers will weigh nearly twice or three times as much as a roof with one layer of common roofing materials. To stay within the right dumpster size, it’s crucial to consider the number of layers before choosing a rental.

While roofing shingles are the primary waste in a roofing job, you can also dispose of underlayment, nails, flashing, felt paper, and even some wood from decking repairs. However, some materials, like large storage containers, hazardous waste, or insulation, may not be allowed. If you’re unsure about a specific item, let us know, and we’ll confirm what’s accepted.

Rental periods vary depending on your project schedule, but we offer flexible options to accommodate roofing jobs of all sizes. If this is your first time renting a bin, we’ll help ensure you have plenty of time to complete your project without unnecessary stress. If you need an extension, we can work with you to arrange additional time.

For larger commercial projects covering thousands of square feet, a larger standard dumpster or multiple containers may be needed to handle heavy debris. Many roofing companies opt for a combination of smaller dumpsters placed at different points on the job site for easier waste removal solutions. If you’re tackling a major commercial job, we can help determine the best setup for your specific needs.