Replacing a roof yourself, or just cleaning up after a small repair, leaves you with something most people underestimate: a big, heavy pile of old shingles. Even a small roof can produce several tons of tear-off debris. Figuring out where it can go, and how to get it there without overloading your truck, is worth doing before the first shingle comes off.
First, how much will you have?
Roofing is measured in "squares." One square covers 100 square feet of roof. A typical three-tab asphalt shingle weighs around 200 to 250 pounds per square, and heavier architectural shingles can run around 300 to 400 pounds per square. If there are two layers of shingles on the roof, you're looking at double that. Add underlayment, nails and a little decking, and a modest 20-square roof can easily produce 3 to 5 tons of debris or more.
In loose form, tear-off shingles in a truck bed commonly weigh roughly 700 to 1,300 pounds per cubic yard. That's why a pickup often hits its payload rating before the bed looks full. The dump cost calculator can estimate the weight of your load based on your bed size and how full it is.
Your disposal options
Rent a roll-off dumpster
For a full roof, this is what most roofing contractors do, and it's often the easiest option for homeowners too. You toss debris straight off the roof into the container, and the hauler takes it away. Some things to know:
- Dumpster companies usually include a weight allowance and charge for overages. Shingles are heavy, so ask about the weight limit, not just the size.
- Some companies offer a lower rate for shingle-only containers because they can send the load to a recycler.
- Placing a dumpster on a street may require a permit, and heavy containers can damage driveways. Put plywood under the wheels if needed.
Haul it to a landfill
Most municipal solid waste landfills accept asphalt shingles, usually charged by weight. Some areas also have construction and demolition (C&D) landfills that specialize in building debris. You'll weigh in, dump in the area the attendant directs you to, and weigh out.
Use a transfer station
Many transfer stations accept roofing debris, especially smaller amounts. Some limit quantities, charge by the load or send roofing to a separate area. Residential convenience centers often don't take construction debris at all, so call first.
Find a shingle recycler
Asphalt shingles can be ground up and used in hot-mix asphalt paving, in cold patch or as road base. In areas with shingle recyclers, a clean load often costs less than landfill disposal. The key word is clean:
- Shingles only, with limited nails
- No wood, plywood or OSB
- No plastic, tarps or wrapping
- No metal flashing, gutters or vents
- No household trash
Some recyclers also restrict felt paper or ice-and-water membrane. Ask what they accept before you start so you can keep the pile clean from day one.
Watch out for asbestos in very old roofing
Most modern asphalt shingles don't contain asbestos, but some older roofing products did, especially certain tar-based, cement-based or specialty materials installed decades ago. Some recyclers ask for proof that older roofing was tested, and many landfills have specific procedures for asbestos-containing materials. If your roof is old enough to raise the question, have a sample tested before you tear it off. It's cheaper than finding out afterward.
Tips for hauling shingles yourself
- Mind the payload. A half-ton pickup may only carry a partial bed of shingles safely. Check the payload figure on your door-jamb sticker. Our post on how much a pickup can haul to the dump explains how to figure it out.
- Use a trailer carefully. A dump trailer makes unloading easy, but small utility trailers often have low weight ratings. Check the GVWR plate on the trailer and the tongue weight limit on your hitch.
- Protect your truck bed. A tarp or plywood liner makes unloading easier and keeps nails from scratching the bed.
- Tarp the load. Shingle granules and bits blow off at highway speeds.
- Plan several trips. Two safe trips beat one overloaded trip.
Keep the site clean
Roofing jobs scatter nails all over the yard and driveway. Lay tarps along the house, and run a rolling magnetic sweeper over the lawn, driveway and street afterward. Many roofers do two or three passes.
Quick checklist
- Estimate how many squares and layers you're removing.
- Decide between a dumpster, landfill, transfer station or recycler.
- If recycling, ask what counts as a clean load.
- Consider asbestos testing for very old roofing.
- Check your vehicle's payload and plan multiple trips.
- Call the site to confirm they accept shingles, their rate, and any minimums.
Ready to find a site? Show landfills and transfer stations near you, or see our quick shingle disposal guide.