For most single-family residential tear-offs, a 20-yard roll-off is the common pick. But roofing debris is dense, so the container is limited by the weight it can legally carry, not just how much space it has. A smaller 15-yard can be plenty of volume for a modest roof or a single shingle layer — the question is always how much the debris weighs.
When you're between sizes on a roof, ask the hauler about the included tonnage rather than defaulting to the biggest bin. A right-sized container with the correct weight allowance beats an oversized one you still overfill by weight.
| Roof size / scope | Typical container |
|---|---|
| Small roof or single shingle layer | 15 yard |
| Average single-family tear-off | 20 yard |
| Large roof, multiple layers, or tile | 20 yard + confirm tonnage |
| Roof plus other remodel debris | 20 yard, tell hauler the mix |
Asphalt shingles weigh roughly 250 to 400 pounds per square — that's a 100-square-foot patch of roof. Older homes often carry two or even three layers, which multiplies the tonnage. A typical 2,000-square-foot roof can produce 3 to 5 tons of debris.
Every roll-off includes a set weight allowance. Go over it and you'll pay an overweight fee, commonly around $125 per extra ton in LA County markets. That's the number that surprises people on roofing jobs — the bin isn't full to the top, but it's already over its tonnage.
Tile and slate are heavier still. If you're tearing off a tile roof, tell the hauler up front so they can quote the right container and weight terms instead of hitting you with an overage after pickup.
These are real starting prices from verified local haulers in our network, 7-day rental included. They're estimates the hauler confirms for your address and debris — but they're real local LA County numbers, not national markup.
| Size | Good for | Real local price (from) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 yard | Smaller roofs, single-layer tear-offs | from $620 |
| 20 yard | Most residential roof tear-offs | from $720 |
Most roofing jobs keep the dumpster in the driveway, right next to the work. Private-property placement needs no city permit, which saves both the fee and the paperwork.
If the only option is the street, most LA County cities require an encroachment or street-placement permit from public works — typically $25 to $125, and some cities need several business days of lead time. Our LA County permit guide has the rule and the right contact for each city we serve.
Ask about weight, not just size: the included tonnage matters more than the yardage on a roof. Confirm it before you book.
Flag tile or multiple layers: heavier material changes the container and the price — tell the hauler up front to avoid an overage.
Keep it in the driveway: private-property placement skips the city permit and fee.
Don't mix in concrete: putting heavy remodel debris in with shingles is the fastest way over the weight limit.
Use the full 7 days: there's no penalty for finishing early, so call for pickup whenever the tear-off is done.
A 20-yard covers most single-family residential tear-offs. A 15-yard can work for a smaller roof or single layer — confirm the weight allowance with your hauler, since roofing is priced by weight.
Real local prices start around $620 for a 15-yard and $720 for a 20-yard in LA County, 7-day rental included. Watch the included weight to avoid an overweight fee (about $125 per extra ton).
Shingles run roughly 250–400 lbs per 100 sq ft, and older roofs may have 2–3 layers. A 2,000 sq ft roof can produce 3–5 tons of debris.
On your driveway, no. On a public street, most LA County cities require a permit. Keeping the bin in the driveway avoids it.
Usually yes for general non-hazardous debris, but tell the hauler — mixing in heavy material like concrete can push you over the weight limit.