Roof replacement in Maine is a major home improvement project that adds plenty to the waste stream. And the state of Maine is very concerned with waste management issues.
As Andre Ramos, CEO of junk disposal firm Portand Dumpster Rental Boss comments, old shingles, underlayment, nails and other debris accumulate fast and have to be handled correctly.
It is a great way to help manage the waste, organize your property, and remove everything in an environmentally friendly manner. In this guide, we explore the advantages, prices, sizes, and best practices when renting a dumpster for roof replacement.
The Benefits of Renting a Dumpster For Your Roof Replacement
Standard waste disposal methods often cannot keep with heavy, bulky materials, like those from roof replacements. Advantages of Renting a Dumpster:
- Uncomplicated Disposal of Waste: A dumpster gives you direct disposal of waste on the job site eliminating loss of time and inconvenience
- Safety: Containing roofing debris reduces the chances of injury due to nails, shingles, or other materials scattered about
- Cost-Effective Disposal: You can save money on fuel and time by renting a dumpster instead of making several trips to the landfill
- Environmental Responsibility: A number of dumpster rental businesses recycle roofing debris; keeping it out of landfills reduces the overall environmental impact
How Big of a Dumpster to Rent for a Roof Replacement
The key to correctly selecting a dumpster is avoiding both having too much space and overpaying, or not having enough space to fit what you want to get rid of. Dumpsters come in cubic yard sizes, and the right size depends on the size of your roof and the kind of material being removed.
- 10-Yard Dumpster: Ideal for small roofs such as a single-story home with fewer than 1,500 square feet of roofing. It can fit roughly 50–70 trash bags or 3–5 pickup truck loads
- 20-Yard Dumpster: Good for medium-size roofs, between 2,000–3,000 square feet of shingles. (Typically the most common choice for residential roof replacements)
- 30-Yard Dumpster: Great for larger homes or roofs with multiple layers of shingles and heavier materials
A good rule of thumb is that a 20-yard dumpster can dispose of debris from around 2,000 square feet of single-layer asphalt shingles. For roofs with multiple layers, or when replacing tiles or metal roofing, you may need a larger dumpster.
What You Need to Know About Roofing Dumpster Rental Prices
Here are several factors that impact the price of renting a dumpster for a roof replacement:
- Dumpster Size: Bigger dumpsters are more expensive but may be more economical if you have a lot of waste
- Weight Limit: Roofing materials are heavy, and going over the weight allowance could incur extra charges. Asphalt shingles are typically sold by squares (100 square feet), and a square of asphalt shingles weighs approximately 250–400 pounds
- Rental Period: Most include a rental period (usually 7–10 days) in the base price. Additional fees may apply for extending the rental
- Place of disposal: Transactions differ between areas due to cost of landfills and popularity
- Type of Waste: Additional fees may apply for certain types of waste, such as hazardous waste or non-standard debris
Renting a 20-yard dumpster for a roof replacement typically costs between $300 and $600 or more—delivery, pickup, and disposal are included.
How to Get Ready for Dumpster Delivery
Do the following before your dumpster arrives for smooth delivery and usage:
- Pick a Spot: Choose a flat, stable area close to the worksite, like a driveway or another accessible area. Make sure there’s enough space for the dumpster and a delivery truck
- Get the Permits: If your dumpster will rest on public property — a street, for example — speak with your local municipality about permit requirements
- Protect Your Property: Put plywood or something similar under the dumpster to prevent damage to your driveway or lawn
- Access Considerations: Ensure that the path to the dumpster is clear so workers can easily dispose of debris
Top Tips for a Roof Replacement Dumpster Rental
Make the most of your dumpster rental by following these best practices:
- Load Evenly: Avoid concentrating all weight on one side of the dumpster
- Overfilling: Make sure not to fill the dumpster to the brim; this can make it unsafe to transport
- Sort Materials: If you can, sort out metal roofing and other recyclables to cut down disposal fees
- Abide by Restrictions: You should never place hazardous waste, electronics, tires or other items in your dumpster that is not allowed. Ask your rental company for a list of prohibited items
- Compact Debris: Certain materials can be made as small as possible to help save room in the dumpster
Recycling Roofing Materials
Many roofing projects generate recyclable materials, helping to divert waste from landfills:
- Asphalt Shingles: Most companies recycle shingles into asphalt used for roads. Verify that the rental company provides recycling services
- Metal Roof: Scrap metal is easily recyclable and easily sellable to recycling centers
- Wood: If you stop of old wooden underlayment, think of using it for projects or donating it
Here’s What You Should Do Instead of Dumpster Rentals
For smaller roofing projects, it may not always be necessary to have a dumpster. Alternatives include:
- Bagged Trash Services: Heavy-duty bags can accommodate smaller amounts of debris
- Local Bulk Pickup: Some local governments provide bulk waste collection for roofing materials, though they may have restrictions
- Hauling Services: Junk disposal companies can also haul away debris for you, but it can be the more expensive option
Going to need a place to put all the debris afterwards, and that’s where renting a dumpster for a roof replacement comes in handy.
By selecting an appropriate size, being aware of costs, and practicing best practices, you can help your project stay on track while also reducing its environmental impact. A dumpster rental in Portland, Maine is an invaluable asset to manage the debris that is generated from your roofing project, whether it’s a minor repair or an entirely new roof.
