Tips On Choosing The Right Size Dumpster For Your Roofing Project
- David Garrison
- Feb 12
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago

With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to finish any roofing projects you have pending. We are sure you have already planned out what type of materials you will use and how much it will cost. You probably even have several contractors lined up to get the job done. While that’s a great way to stay on schedule, have you taken a moment to consider your dumpster needs for the discarded roofing debris?
When it comes to roofing projects, one crucial decision that often gets overlooked is choosing the right dumpster size. In this comprehensive guide tailored for roofers, we delve into the art of making "Dumpster Decisions." Whether you're tackling a small residential repair or embarking on a large commercial installation, the perfect dumpster size can make or break your project's efficiency and budget.
How To Determine How Much Dumpster Space You Need
To start, you need to know which shingles you will be taking off your roof and if it will be a total replacement or just a patch job. Roofing shingles types all have different weights and it’s important to choose a dumpster that can support their weight.
Selecting the right dumpster for your roofing project involves several key factors that can significantly affect both the efficiency and cost of your operation. First and foremost, the size of the roofing project itself is paramount. As previously mentioned, the square footage of the roof will directly influence how much debris will be generated. A larger roof typically means more waste, which necessitates a larger dumpster. Always err on the side of caution; if you estimate that you might be close to the capacity of a smaller dumpster, it may be wise to opt for the next size up to avoid last-minute complications.
Architectural shingles are larger and heavier while three-tab shingles are lighter. Depending on the age of your roof, you may even have shingles no longer manufactured. Any contractor can take a look at your roof and give you an accurate estimate in regards to their weight per piece.
Calculate Your Needs
Calculate how many square feet of roofing you plan to remove. Customarily, 100 square feet of shingles is equal to three bundles. For three-tab shingles that weigh about 75 pounds per bundle, you can estimate about how many pounds you expect to fill your dumpster based on the square footage.
Aside from the shingles, you will also need to consider the weight of any other debris that may come off of your roof during the job. Felt paper, nails, and in some cases, decayed wood will all add to the weight that goes into your rental dumpster.
Dumpster rental costs and budgeting tips
Understanding the costs associated with dumpster rentals is vital for effective budgeting on roofing projects. Rental prices can vary significantly based on size, location, and the duration of the rental period. Typically, costs for a small dumpster may start at around $395, while larger sizes can range from $540 to $650 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above in the Dallas market. It’s essential to obtain quotes from multiple rental companies to compare prices and services, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.
In addition to the rental cost, contractors should also consider overage fees can occur if the dumpster is filled beyond its weight limit or if the rental period exceeds the agreed-upon timeframe. To avoid these additional expenses, it’s wise to accurately estimate the amount of debris you will be generating and plan your rental period accordingly. Many rental companies offer flexible options for extending rental durations, which can provide peace of mind if you anticipate needing more time.
Selecting The Right Rental Dumpster
Our most compact unit is 15 cubic yards. This can hold around 4,000 pounds of roofing junk. Considering most roofing jobs cover a larger area, this size would only work for a small area like a garage roof. Our 20 cubic yard dumpsters have a 6,000-pound allowance and 20,000 pound limit for residential roofing. Up to 400 sq ft of deck removal
or 35 squares of single layer 3-tab roof shingles removal per dumpster. We also have larger dumpsters available on commercial flat roofs.

How We Can Help With Your Roofing Project
Getting a unit that is too small not only can delay your project, but it can also end up making you go over your budget. Give us a call at 972-222-2444 today to speak with one of our qualified dumpster rental specialist for more information.