Dumpster for a Roof Tear-Off
Most roof tear-off jobs need a 20 yard dumpster, which runs a median of $419. Expect 2.5 to 5 tons for a typical 20 to 30 square roof of debris.
How much it weighs
Architectural shingles weigh about 400–430 lb per square (100 sq ft of roof); three-tab about 230–250. A 25-square single-layer architectural tear-off is roughly 5 tons, well past the weight most rentals include.
What to watch for
This is the project where overage bills happen. A 20-yard looks half empty at 5 tons of shingles. Tell the hauler it is a roof before you book so they send the right can and quote the right tonnage.
Will it go over the weight allowance?
Very likely, and this is the number that decides your bill. A 20 yard typically includes 2 tons. This job runs 2.5 to 5 tons for a typical 20 to 30 square roof, so you should expect to be 0.5 to 3 tons over. At a median $76 a ton that is roughly $38 to $228 on top, against a median rental of $419.
That is not a reason to book a bigger container. Volume and weight are priced separately, and a 20 yard that is half full by volume can still be over on weight. The move is to tell the yard what the debris really is before they quote, so the allowance is set for the job rather than for the box.
What goes in
asphalt shingles, underlayment, flashing, nails and felt, occasionally decking.
What does not: paint, solvents, tyres, batteries, appliances containing refrigerant, and anything with a fuel tank. Most yards surcharge mattresses and some refuse them outright. Ask for the prohibited list when you book rather than discovering it on collection day, because a load that has to be sorted at the gate is billed for the sorting.
Is the 20 yard the right call?
A 20 yard is 22′ × 8′ × 4.5′, roughly 6 pickup loads. If you are between sizes, the 30 yard gives you 9 loads instead. The step up costs about $101 more at the median. Going up a size buys volume, not weight allowance, so it is the right move when you are running out of room and the wrong one when you are running out of tons.
Other jobs like this one
- Kitchen Remodel 20 yd
- Deck Removal 20 yd
- Basement Cleanout 20 yd
Everything about the 20 yard · every project we cover · how to avoid overage charges
Questions
- What size dumpster do I need for a roof tear-off?
- A 20 yard dumpster handles most roof tear-off jobs, 22′ × 8′ × 4.5′, about 6 pickup truck loads.
- How much does a dumpster for a roof tear-off cost?
- A 20 yard runs a median of $419, with most companies between $350 and $490. Weight over the included allowance is extra, typically $76 per ton.
- How much does roof tear-off debris weigh?
- 2.5 to 5 tons for a typical 20 to 30 square roof. Architectural shingles weigh about 400–430 lb per square (100 sq ft of roof); three-tab about 230–250. A 25-square single-layer architectural tear-off is roughly 5 tons, well past the weight most rentals include.
- What can I put in it?
- Typically asphalt shingles, underlayment, flashing, nails and felt, occasionally decking. This is the project where overage bills happen. A 20-yard looks half empty at 5 tons of shingles. Tell the hauler it is a roof before you book so they send the right can and quote the right tonnage.
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