Tearing off old shingles creates a lot of debris. Shingles take up more space than you might expect, and because they can’t be burned, they have to be hauled away and disposed of safely. That’s why most people rent a dumpster before they start. If you’re planning to do the job yourself—or just want to know what’s involved—here are some easy ways to stay on top of clean up after removing shingles and keep your yard safe.
Step 1: Rent a Dumpster
Having a dumpster close to your roof saves time and cuts down on extra climbing. Roll-off dumpsters are open at the top, so you can reach them easily from ladders or scaffolding. When you rent one, the company brings it to your home, and you can tell them where to place it.
Here are some general size guidelines:
- 15-yard dumpster: Good for small homes (under 2,000 square feet) or partial jobs
- 20-yard dumpster: Works for medium homes (2,000–2,800 square feet) or small homes with steep roofs
- 30-yard dumpster: Best for large homes (2,800–4,000 square feet)
Several things can affect how much space you need. Shingles are very heavy, and overfilling can go over dumpster weight limits. Talk with the rental company about weight so you don’t run into extra fees.
You may need a larger size if you have laminate shingles (heavier) or more than one layer to tear off. Sometimes roofers put new shingles over old ones, which can hide leaks and make repairs more expensive.
If you’re not sure which size to choose, it’s safer to go bigger. Switching out a full dumpster usually costs more than renting the right size from the start. A good rental company can help you estimate, and you can also check our disposal chart for more details.
Step 2: Clean Up as You Go
Cleaning as you work saves time and keeps things safer. Instead of piling shingles on the ground or roof, move them straight to the dumpster. Loose pieces make tripping more likely both up top and on the ground.
If possible, place the dumpster on your driveway near the house. It might block garage access, but it’s usually the safest and easiest spot. If you live in town, you might need to park it in an alley, and a permit may be required. Try not to park it on your lawn, because it can sink into the ground and leave ruts.
Roofing debris includes shingles, nails, flashing, and underlayment. If you have trees near your roof, you may also find sticks or leaves mixed in. Be sure to remove the underlayment (also called felt paper or sheathing) so the new roofing can be installed right. Leaving old layers in place can hide leaks.
Since this job creates a lot of mess, tarps come in handy. Place several tarps around the house to catch falling debris and make cleanup easier. This helps especially if you don’t have a magnetic roller for picking up nails.
Step 3: Do a Thorough Sweep
When you’re finished, look around the area and pick up stray nails, leftover underlayment, and organic debris. Leaving nails and paper makes putting on a new roof harder. On the roof, they also create slipping or kneeling hazards. Later, they may fall to the ground and can hurt people or pets. They may also damage tires on tractors or cars.
A push broom works well on the roof to push small trash toward the ground or into the gutters. If possible, rent a magnetic roller to pick up loose nails from both the roof and yard. In some situations, a shop vac can pick up small pieces like nails.
Finally, don’t forget to clean out the gutters, where dislodged leaves, shingle granules, and nails tend to collect. Use your hands or a scoop when you can. If you have gutter guards, use a hose to wash the material out.
Cleanup may take time, but it keeps everyone safe.
Trust Next Can with All Your Dumpster Needs
At Next Can Rentals, we work hard to provide unparalleled service for homeowners taking on roofing projects. We’ll help you select the right dumpster size, advise on permits when needed, and place the dumpster where it’s most convenient and safe. Our team knows the best disposal sites and understands weight limits, hazardous materials, and local regulations.
We keep the process simple. We bring you the dumpster. You fill it. We take it away and leave space for your new roof.
