What Size Dumpster Is Best for Roofing Tear-Offs in New Hampshire?

January 8, 2026

Roofing projects generate a surprising amount of debris. Homeowners and contractors alike often underestimate just how heavy old shingles can be, especially in New Hampshire where roofs are built to withstand snow, ice, and harsh weather. Choosing the wrong dumpster size for a roofing tear-off can lead to overweight fees, project delays, or the need for a second container.

If you’re planning a roofing project, understanding roofing dumpster size, shingle disposal in NH, and how material density affects weight is critical. This guide breaks it down so you can choose the right roofing debris dumpster and avoid unnecessary costs.

Why Roofing Debris Is Heavier Than You Think

Unlike household junk or renovation debris, roofing materials are extremely dense. Asphalt shingles, in particular, are designed to be durable and weather-resistant—which makes them heavy when removed in bulk.

In New Hampshire, many roofs include:

• Multiple layers of shingles
• Ice and water shield
• Heavy underlayment
• Old felt paper
• Nails and flashing
• Wood decking repairs

Each additional layer adds weight fast. Even a relatively small roof can push a dumpster to its weight limit long before it looks full.

How Much Do Roofing Shingles Weigh?

Asphalt shingles typically weigh 200–300 pounds per roofing square (a square equals 100 square feet). Older shingles, especially those with multiple layers, can weigh even more.

For example:

• A 1,500 sq. ft. roof = 15 squares
• At 250 lbs per square, that’s nearly 4,000 pounds of shingles alone
• Add nails, felt, flashing, and packaging debris, and the weight climbs quickly

This is why dumpster selection for roofing is more about weight capacity than volume.

Common Dumpster Sizes Used for Roofing Projects

15-Yard Dumpster

• Best for: Small roofs, sheds, garages, or partial tear-offs
• Typical use: 1 layer of shingles on a small surface
• Risk: Can hit weight limits quickly

A 15-yard dumpster can work for very small roofing jobs, but it fills up fast when shingles are involved. It’s often chosen for space constraints rather than capacity.

20-Yard Dumpster (Most Common Choice)

• Best for: Most single-family homes
• Ideal for: Full tear-offs with one layer of shingles
• Balance of size and weight capacity

For many homeowners and roofers, a 20-yard dumpster is the safest and most cost-effective option. It provides enough space while staying within common weight limits for shingle disposal in NH.

30-Yard Dumpster

• Best for: Large homes or roofs with multiple layers
• Ideal for: Commercial or multi-unit properties
• More volume, but weight still matters

While a 30-yard dumpster holds more material, it doesn’t mean you can exceed weight limits. Roofers often use 30-yard containers for bulky roofing debris, but loads must still be managed carefully.

Why New Hampshire Roofs Often Require Larger Dumpsters

New Hampshire homes tend to have:

• Steeper roof pitches
• Heavier shingles rated for snow load
• Multiple re-roofs over decades
• Additional underlayment for ice dams

These factors mean more material comes off during a tear-off. Homeowners frequently discover two or even three layers of old shingles once work begins—doubling or tripling the expected debris weight.

Choosing too small of a dumpster can result in:

• Overweight fees
• Delayed pickup
• The need to order a second dumpster
• Crews stopping work until debris is removed

Planning ahead prevents these disruptions.

How Overweight Fees Happen on Roofing Jobs

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that if debris fits in the dumpster, it’s acceptable. That’s not always the case.

Dumpsters have:

• Volume limits (how full they can be)
• Weight limits (how heavy the load can be)

Roofing debris often hits the weight limit before the container looks full. Overweight loads can’t be legally transported and may result in additional charges.

Proper dumpster selection and loading practices are essential.

Tips to Avoid Costly Roofing Dumpster Mistakes

Here are practical tips for roofers and homeowners:

• Ask about weight limits upfront
• Avoid stacking shingles too high in one area
• Distribute weight evenly across the dumpster
• Don’t mix roofing debris with other heavy materials
• Consider multiple dumpsters for large or layered roofs

If your project involves more than one layer of shingles, it’s often safer to plan for a larger container or a swap.

Space and Placement Considerations

Roofing projects often require dumpsters to be placed close to the house for efficiency. However, driveway size and access matter.

For tight spaces:

• A 15-yard dumpster may fit better
• Multiple smaller loads may be safer than one overloaded container

For larger driveways:

• A 20- or 30-yard dumpster allows faster cleanup
• Balancing space, weight, and accessibility is key.

Why Local Expertise Matters

Shingle disposal rules and weight restrictions can vary by region. Working with a local provider who understands roofing debris dumpsters in New Hampshire helps avoid surprises.

Local providers know:

• Typical roof construction in the area
• Common shingle weights
• Disposal facility requirements
• Seasonal considerations like snowbanks or frozen ground

This experience makes a real difference on roofing jobs.

Final Thoughts: Choose Weight First, Size Second

When it comes to roofing tear-offs, the best dumpster size isn’t about how much space you think you need—it’s about how much weight your debris will generate. In New Hampshire, shingles are heavy, roofs are layered, and mistakes can be costly.

For most residential roofing projects:

• 20-yard dumpsters are the safest choice
• Larger roofs or multiple layers may require 30-yard dumpsters
• Small jobs may work with a 15-yard dumpster, but with caution

If you’re planning a roofing project and unsure which dumpster size is right, Tombarello and Sons can help. We work with homeowners and roofers across New Hampshire to recommend the right container, avoid overweight issues, and keep projects running smoothly.

Contact Tombarello and Sons today to schedule the right roofing dumpster—before the tear-off begins.