Roofing dumpster size is math, not guesswork: squares × layers × shingle type. One square is 100 sq ft of roof. A layer of architectural shingles runs roughly 200–250 lb per square, so 10 squares at one layer is about 2–2.5 tons before you add felt, flashing and decking repairs.
Worked examples
| Roof | Layers | Start with |
|---|---|---|
| 12 squares (≈1,200 sq ft home) | 1 | 10 yard |
| 20 squares (≈2,000 sq ft home) | 1 | 20 yard |
| 20 squares | 2 | 20 yard with tonnage checked, or step up |
| 30+ squares / commercial | any | 30 yard, weight confirmed on the call |
Placement is half the job
Set the box tight to the eave line so debris goes roof-to-box. Boards go down first on the driveway, and the truck's approach has to clear the eave overhang. Two-layer tear-offs fill boxes mid-job more often than any other project — plan the swap before the first square comes off.
Full service details: roofing dumpster rental. Prices: typical Berks ranges.