If you’re getting a new roof on your Long Island home, one of the first things your contractor needs is a dumpster for the tear-off debris. Old shingles, underlayment, flashing, and nails all have to go somewhere — and a roll-off container is the most efficient way to handle it.

Here’s what homeowners and roofing contractors need to know about dumpster sizing for roof tear-offs.

How Much Debris Does a Roof Generate?

Roofing debris is heavier than you might expect. A single layer of asphalt shingles on an average Long Island home weighs between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds depending on the roof size and shingle type.

Key factors that affect debris volume:

Roof size (measured in “squares” — each square = 100 sq ft)
Number of shingle layers — some older homes have 2-3 layers stacked up
Shingle type — architectural shingles are heavier than 3-tab
Additional materials — underlayment, flashing, vents, gutters, decking

Dumpster Size Recommendations for Roofing

Roof Size	Layers	Recommended Dumpster
Small (up to 15 squares)	Single layer	15 yard
Average (15-25 squares)	Single layer	20 yard
Average (15-25 squares)	Multiple layers	30 yard
Large (25+ squares)	Single layer	20-30 yard
Large (25+ squares)	Multiple layers	30 yard

Our recommendation for most Long Island roofing jobs: 20 yard dumpster.

The average Long Island home has 20-25 squares of roofing area. A 20 yard container comfortably handles single-layer tear-offs for these homes. If your home has multiple layers or is larger than average, go with a 30 yard.

Tips for Roofing Contractors

We work with roofing contractors across Nassau and Suffolk County every week. Here’s what makes the job go smoothly:

Placement

Place the dumpster as close to the house as possible — ideally where debris can be thrown or slid directly from the roof into the container
Make sure there’s clearance for our truck to deliver and pick up
If the driveway won’t work, we can place on the street (check local permit requirements)

Timing

Have the dumpster delivered the day before the tear-off
Call us when the job is done for prompt pickup
Need a swap? We can often do same-day swaps for ongoing roofing projects

Loading

Don’t mix roofing debris with other construction waste if possible — it helps with proper disposal
Shingles can be recycled in many cases, and clean loads make that possible
Keep debris below the top of the container walls for safe transport

Weight Considerations

Roofing materials are dense. A 20 yard dumpster filled with shingles can weigh significantly more than the same container filled with household junk. Our pricing accounts for the weight of roofing materials, and we’ll discuss weight limits upfront so there are no surprises.

If you’re doing a multi-layer tear-off, be aware that the weight can add up fast. Talk to us about weight limits when you book — we’ll help you plan for the most cost-effective approach.

Nail Boards and Cleanup

Roofing tear-offs scatter nails across the property. Most professional roofers use magnetic nail sweepers after the job, but it’s worth asking about cleanup procedures. Stray nails in the driveway or yard are no fun for anyone.

Homeowner Roofing Projects

If you’re tackling the roof yourself (it happens more often than you’d think on Long Island), here’s our advice:

Order the dumpster first — have it in place before you start pulling shingles
Position it close to the work area — the shorter the distance to throw debris, the better
Start from the top — work from the peak down
Have a plan for nails — a magnetic sweeper is a worthwhile investment
Budget for disposal — a 20 yard dumpster is the most common choice for DIY roofing

Get Your Roofing Dumpster

Whether you’re a contractor running multiple roofing jobs a week or a homeowner doing a one-time tear-off, we provide fast, reliable dumpster service for roofing projects across Long Island.

Call 631-855-5502 or request a quote online. Tell us your roof size and number of layers, and we’ll recommend the right container.

Roof Tear-Off Debris: Which Dumpster Size for Your Roofing Project?