A 20-yard dumpster has enough space for most single-layer residential roof tear-offs, but weight, not space, decides the final cost. Dumpster Quest DFW’s 20-yard rubber-tired dump trailer includes 2 tons (4,000 lbs) of debris for $390 for 2 days, and each ton over that costs $100. At roughly 250 to 400 lbs per square, about 10 to 16 squares of asphalt shingles fit within the 2-ton allowance. For a full tear-off, call ahead with your square count so the team can plan the load.
Key Takeaways
- A 20-yard dumpster has enough space for most single-layer roof tear-offs; weight sets the cost.
- Asphalt shingles weigh roughly 200 to 400 lbs per square, and two layers roughly double that.
- About 10 to 16 squares of single-layer shingles fit within a 2-ton allowance.
- Dumpster Quest DFW’s roofing dumpster starts at $390 for 2 days; weight over 2 tons is $100 per ton.
- Asbestos roofing requires a DSHS-licensed contractor and can’t go in the dumpster.
How Much Does a 20-Yard Roofing Dumpster Hold?
A 20-yard dumpster holds about 20 cubic yards (540 cubic feet), which is usually more space than a single-layer shingle roof needs. With roofing, the trailer typically reaches its weight allowance well before it looks full.
| Spec | Dumpster Quest DFW 20-Yard Trailer |
| Volume | About 20 cubic yards (540 cubic feet) |
| Dimensions | About 14 ft long × 7 ft wide × 5.5 ft high |
| Pickup truck loads | About 6 to 8 |
| Weight included | 2 tons (4,000 lbs) |
| Weight over 2 tons | $100 per ton |
How Much Do Roofing Shingles Weigh?
Asphalt shingles weigh roughly 200 to 400 lbs per square, where one square is 100 square feet of roof. The exact weight depends on the product, so check the weight printed on the bundle wrapper or the manufacturer’s product data sheet.
| Roofing Material | Approximate Weight per Square | What It Means for a 2-Ton Allowance |
| 3-tab asphalt shingles | About 200–250 lbs | Lighter; more squares fit |
| Architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles | About 250–400 lbs | Most full tear-offs go over 2 tons |
| Two layers of shingles | About double the single-layer weight | Plan for overage on most roofs |
| Concrete, clay, or slate tile | Several times heavier than asphalt | Call before booking |
Tear-off debris also includes underlayment, nails, drip edge, and sometimes damaged decking. Using the upper end of the range for your shingle type covers those extras.
How Many Squares of Shingles Fit in a 2-Ton Dumpster Allowance?
About 10 to 16 squares of single-layer asphalt shingles fit within 2 tons, depending on shingle weight. Larger roofs fit by space but go over the weight allowance.
| Roof Size (Single Layer) | Estimated Debris Weight (250–400 lbs/square) | Estimated Tons | Estimated Overage at $100/Ton |
| 10 squares | 2,500–4,000 lbs | 1.25–2 | None |
| 15 squares | 3,750–6,000 lbs | 1.9–3 | Up to about $100 |
| 20 squares | 5,000–8,000 lbs | 2.5–4 | About 100–200 |
| 30 squares | 7,500–12,000 lbs | 3.75–6 | Call before booking |
These are planning estimates, not quotes. The final overage is based on the weight measured at the disposal facility.
How Do You Find How Many Squares Your Roof Has?
The easiest way to find your roof’s square count is to check your roofer’s estimate, which lists the job in squares. Roof area is larger than a home’s floor area because of roof pitch and overhangs, so don’t use square footage of the house as a shortcut.
If you don’t have an estimate yet, divide the measured roof area by 100. A roof with 2,000 square feet of surface is 20 squares.
How Much Does a Roofing Dumpster Rental Cost in North Dallas?
A roofing dumpster rental from Dumpster Quest DFW starts at $390 for 2 days with 2 tons included. Extra days are $20 each, and weight over 2 tons is $100 per ton.
| Package | Price | Weight Included |
| 2-Day Driveway Package | $390 | 2 tons |
| 4-Day Project Package | $430 | 2 tons |
| 7-Day Full Week Package | $490 | 2 tons |
| 8+ days or large/commercial projects | Call for special pricing | Custom |
Example: a 20-square architectural shingle tear-off that weighs about 4 tons on the 2-day package costs $390 + $200 overage = $590. For the full fee breakdown, see our dumpster rental pricing guide.
How Many Rental Days Does a Roof Tear-Off Need?
Many roof tear-offs fit the 2-Day Driveway Package, because the 2-day minimum gives a crew a buffer for weather or a second day of cleanup. Phased or DIY roofing work usually fits the 4-Day Project Package at $430. Extra days past any package are $20 each.
Which Roofing Materials Can’t Go in the Dumpster?
Asbestos-containing roofing materials can’t go in the dumpster. Some older roofing products, including certain shingles, felts, and roof coatings, may contain asbestos. In Texas, asbestos abatement is licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and disposal of regulated waste falls under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). If you’re unsure about an older roof, have it tested before tear-off.
Liquids such as roofing cement, sealants, and coatings in cans are also not accepted. For the complete list, see our acceptable disposal items.
Why Does a Rubber-Tired Trailer Matter for Roofing Jobs?
Roofing loads are among the heaviest residential loads, so the equipment sitting on your driveway matters. Dumpster Quest DFW’s trailer rolls on rubber tires designed for concrete and asphalt driveways, avoiding the scraping risk of a heavy steel roll-off.
| Dumpster Quest DFW | Typical Steel Roll-Off | |
| Equipment | 20-yard rubber-tired dump trailer | Heavy steel roll-off container |
| Rental time for $390 | 2 full days | Often 1 day |
| Driveway contact | Rubber tires | Steel rails |
For more on how weight limits work across heavy projects, read our construction dumpster weight limits guide.
Do You Need a Permit for a Roofing Dumpster in North Dallas?
A roofing dumpster on your private driveway usually doesn’t need a city permit in North Dallas cities. Placing it on a public street, sidewalk, or alley usually requires a city right-of-way permit, and rules differ by city. See our dumpster rental permits guide for local details.
Where Does Dumpster Quest DFW Deliver Roofing Dumpsters?
Dumpster Quest DFW delivers across Collin County and North DFW, including McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Plano, Prosper, Wylie, Richardson, Garland, Carrollton, and Lewisville.
Dumpster Quest DFW · 351 Chaparral Rd, Allen, TX 75002 · 469-770-7346
Have your roof’s square count and shingle type ready, then call 469-770-7346 or send your roofing project details for a weight estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size dumpster do I need for a roof tear-off?
A 20-yard dumpster has enough space for most single-layer residential roof tear-offs. Weight is the limit: about 10 to 16 squares of asphalt shingles fit within a 2-ton allowance.
2. How much do asphalt shingles weigh per square?
Asphalt shingles weigh roughly 200 to 400 lbs per square, where a square is 100 square feet of roof. Architectural shingles are on the heavier end, and two layers roughly double the weight.
3. How much does a roofing dumpster rental cost in North Dallas?
Dumpster Quest DFW’s roofing dumpster rental starts at $390 for 2 days with 2 tons included. Weight over 2 tons is $100 per ton, so a 4-ton tear-off on the 2-day package costs about $590.
4. Will a full roof tear-off go over the dumpster weight limit?
Most full tear-offs over about 16 squares go over a 2-ton allowance. A 20-square architectural shingle roof weighs roughly 2.5 to 4 tons.
5. Can asbestos roofing go in a dumpster in Texas?
No. Asbestos-containing roofing must be handled by a contractor licensed through the Texas Department of State Health Services. Test older roofing materials before tear-off if you’re unsure.
6. Do I need a permit for a roofing dumpster on my driveway?
A dumpster on a private driveway usually doesn’t need a city permit in North Dallas cities. Street or sidewalk placement usually requires a city right-of-way permit.
