As we look to the 2025 summer dumpster rental season, we wanted to address a very common inquiry we get regarding the cost and recommendations for a dumpster rental for disposal of roofing shingles. Here’s a quick summary of typical pricing, we’ll go into more detail and other options in the next section:
- 10yd demolition dumpster $375 up to 12.5 squares of 3 tab shingles, or 10 squares of architectural shingles (2,500lb weight limit)
- 14yd demolition dumpster $399 up to 20 squares of 3 tab shingles, or 16 squares of architectural shingles (4,000lb weight limit)
- 14yd “roofing” dumpster $520 up to 45 squares of 3 tab shingles, or 40 squares of architectural shingles (10,000lb weight limit)
- The “break-even point” between the 14yd demolition overweight charge and 14yd roofing dumpster is 35sq of 3-tab shingles and 28sq of architectural shingles.
We have 3 dumpster sizes available, each with their own nuances.
Roofing jobs are generally measured in “squares”, which is equivalent to 100 square feet. Note that this is the measurement of the roofing surface area, which is different than the square footage of the home. We often ask our customers how many squares their roof is to best advise on the appropriate size and disposal option for their dumpster rental. The size and cost of a dumpster for a 10 square garage roof is very different than 40 square whole home re-roof.
- 10 yard dumpster, appropriate for the smallest roofs, garages, sheds, very small houses etc. not commonly used on a whole house re-roofing job. Holds a maximum of 30 squares without bulky pallets, gutters, etc. A benefit to our 10-yard is the dumpster being only 4′ tall, which makes loading over the side (if necessary) easier.
- 14 yard dumpster, our most common and cost effective dumpster for roofing materials. Holds a maximum of 45 squares without bulky pallets, gutters, etc.
- 20 yard dumpster, our largest size, this dumpster also weighs nearly 1000lbs more than our 14 yard dumpster, which limits our payload capacity before overloading our truck. We generally only rent a 20yd for roofing when the roof is on the smaller side of average, but replacing decking (plywood/OSB) is necessary. We generally will not rent a 20 yard dumpster for a roofing project over 30 squares due to weight restrictions.
Cost breakdowns:
We have a few options, again depending on the estimated weight of the roofing load. The first thing to determine is the estimated weight based on the number of squares and type of shingles being torn off, whether they are 3-tab or architectural shingles. Our rule of thumb when estimating roofing weight is 200lbs/square for 3 tab shingles, and 250lbs/square for architectural shingles. Using our current rates as a guide, the following options are available.
- 10 yard demolition dumpster, currently $375 including 2,500lbs (1.25 Tons). This would mean 12.5 squares of 3 tab shingles and 10 squares of architectural shingles. Over this amount would incur an overweight charge of $80 per ton/2,000lbs.
- 14 yard demolition dumpster, standard transfer station disposal, currently $399 including 4,000lbs (2 Tons). This would mean 20 squares of 3 tab shingles and 16 squares of architectural shingles. Over this amount would incur an overweight charge of $80 per ton/2000lbs. For an average size roof, this is generally the best option, even though there is often an overweight charge post-billed, this overweight charge doesn’t generally exceed the landfill disposal charge on an average size roof.
- 14 yard “roofing” dumpster, landfill disposal, currently $520, including 10,000lbs (5 tons). This is the best option for those with larger roofs (up to 45 squares of 3 tabs, or 40 squares of architectural shingles) who don’t want to worry about overweight charges incurred by transfer station disposal. Roofing dumpsters using this option are dumped at a landfill, where our tipping fees are charged by volume, rather than by weight, eliminating the possibility of an overweight charge.
- 20 yard dumpster, standard transfer station disposal, currently $465 including 6,000lbs (3 tons). This would mean 30 squares of 3 tab shingles, and 24 squares of architectural shingles. Our 20 yard dumpsters are nearly 6′ tall from the ground, and are thus generally avoided for roofing jobs. Additionally, 20 yard dumpsters have an absolute weight limit of 4.5 tons (9,000lbs) due to their extra weight and the payload capacity of our trucks.
If you’re a math whiz, you’ll notice the 20 yard works out to about $10 cheaper after tax versus the 14yd, at or over 3 tons, when using standard transfer station disposal. Due to our truck weight limits, the 20 yard doesn’t allow any more volume of shingles compared to a 14yd, and thus most of our customers choose the 14 yard for the extra $10 due to the more compact size allowing the dumpster to be placed closer to the home (most roofers prefer tossing roofing directly into the dumpster rather than dropping the shingles to the ground and having to handle them a second time bringing them to the dumpster) and easier weight distribution (20yds cannot be loaded with a rear bias with heavy materials).
Now for the break-even between the options above (we’re really getting into the weeds here). Again, these estimates are based on a 200lbs/square average 3-tab shingle weight, and a 250lbs/square average architectural shingle weight.
- 10 yard demolition dumpsters, $381 with tax, 3,160lbs break-even point ($26.40 overweight charge) with the 14 yard demolition ($407.40), up to 15.8 squares of 3-tab shingles, or 12.64 squares of architectural shingles.
- 14 yard demolition dumpsters, $407.40 with tax, 7,025lbs break-even point ($121.00 overweight charge) with the 14 yard “roofing” ($528.40), up to 35.1 squares of 3-tab shingles, or 28.1 squares of architectural shingles.
- 20 yard dumpsters, $477.00 with tax, 9,000lbs max weight ($120.00 overweight charge), up to 45 squares of 3 tab shingles, or 36 squares of architectural shingles.
So, using everything above, our recommendations are as follows:
- Up to 15.8 squares of 3-tab or 12.6 squares of architectural shingles = 10 yard demolition
- Up to 35.1 squares of 3-tab or 28.1 squares of architectural shingles = 14 yard demolition
- Up to 45 squares of 3-tab or 40 squares of architectural shingles = 14 yard “roofing” (landfill disposal)
- Up to 40 squares of 3-tab or 32 squares of architectural shingles plus decking/plywood replacement = 20 yard demolition
Again, all of the estimates above are based on an assumption of average 3-tab shingle weight of 200lbs/square and architectural shingle weight of 250lbs square. These numbers will vary, we’ve seen very light 3-tab, deteriorated 20 year shingles at less than 150lbs/sq, and really thick heavy 50 year shingles on high end homes at over 300lbs/sq. So while these are average weights, the actual weight will vary depending on the shingle currently on your home.
The above information is also specific to our current operations, being based in the north metro area, and the absence of cost effective local landfill disposal options in or near our service area. 99% of our loads are disposed of using local transfer stations. Landfill disposal requires much more drive-time due to their remote locations, limiting our productivity compared to transfer stations, negating any disposal cost savings on all but the heaviest of loads.
If you have questions on anything above or are interested in renting a dumpster for your roofing project, we’re always happy to hear from you. Give us a call at 763-537-9600.