Roofing Dumpster Weight Guide
How much do shingles weigh, how many squares fit, and how to avoid overage.
Shingle Weight Reference
| Roofing Material | Weight / square (100 sq ft) | Squares in 2 tons |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt | 230–250 lbs | ~16–18 |
| Architectural asphalt | 400–430 lbs | ~8–10 |
| Wood shake | ~300 lbs | ~12–14 |
| Concrete tile | ~900 lbs | ~4 |
| Clay tile | 600–1,200 lbs | ~3–6 |
| Slate | 800–1,500 lbs | ~2–4 |
| Metal panels | ~60–150 lbs | ~26–66 |
Tear-Off Weight by Home Size
| Home size | Squares | 3-tab weight | Architectural weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | ~15 | ~3,500 lbs ✅ | ~6,000 lbs ❌ |
| 1,800 sq ft | ~22 | ~5,100 lbs ❌ | ~8,800 lbs ❌ |
| 2,500 sq ft | ~28 | ~6,500 lbs ❌ | ~11,200 lbs ❌ |
| 3,200 sq ft | ~35 | ~8,100 lbs ❌ | ~14,000 lbs ❌ |
✅ fits within 2-ton allowance · ⚠ small overage expected · ❌ plan for overage at $95/ton. Includes ~10% for underlayment and nails.
How to Avoid Overage on a Roofing Job
- Tell us the square count and shingle type when you book — we'll flag jobs that need a second pull.
- Don't add a second cleanout to the roofing dumpster. Mixing in lumber or appliances eats your weight buffer.
- For two-layer tear-offs, plan on the 5-day rental and a second swap — cheaper than overage on one giant load.
Roofing Dumpster FAQs
How much does a square of asphalt shingles weigh?
One roofing 'square' (100 sq ft of coverage) of 3-tab asphalt shingles weighs about 230–250 lbs. Architectural / dimensional shingles weigh more — about 400–430 lbs per square. A typical roof tear-off adds underlayment, nails, and decking dust totaling roughly 10–15% on top of shingle weight.
Will a typical residential roof tear-off fit in a 16-yard dumpster?
Volume-wise, yes — most 1,500–2,500 sq ft homes (15–25 squares) fit in a single 16-yard. The 2-ton (4,000 lb) included allowance covers about 16–18 squares of 3-tab or 8–10 squares of architectural; anything beyond runs $95/ton overage. Call us for tear-offs above 15 squares so we can quote the expected overage up front.
How much does a 16-yard dumpster hold in roofing shingles?
By included weight: about 16–18 squares of 3-tab or 8–10 squares of architectural fit within the 2-ton (4,000 lb) allowance. The dumpster has plenty of volume for a whole tear-off; anything above the allowance is billed at $95/ton.
Can I put a second shingle layer in the same dumpster?
Yes — two layers double the weight. A 25-square tear-off with two layers is roughly 11,500 lbs of 3-tab shingles — well over the 2-ton allowance. Plan for overage at $95/ton or a second pull.
What else from a roofing job goes in the dumpster?
Old shingles, felt/synthetic underlayment, drip edge, ice-and-water shield, flashing, nails, and rotted decking. Don't put in pressurized roof-coating canisters or solvent-based sealants (hazmat).
Do you deliver to roofing job sites in Hendricks County?
Yes — same-day or next-day delivery across Hendricks, Morgan, Boone, and Putnam counties. We can coordinate placement with your crew so the truck has clear access for the swap.
Ready to Rent a Dumpster?
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Delivery and pickup times are not guaranteed. We service your scheduled date based on our route and availability. Keep the placement area and dumpster accessible for the full day.
Online bookings are never picked up on Saturday or Sunday. Rentals that would end Sunday are picked up Monday at the same price with one complimentary day; rentals that would end Saturday are picked up Monday for the next one-day rate (normally +$10), with the extra day free. You do not choose an exact pickup time.
No extra-day charge is added merely because Dumpster Dogs arrives later that day or directs a weekend pickup to Monday. Keep the dumpster safely accessible until collected.