Have the dumpster delivered the day before the crew arrives, placed on level ground as close to the roof edge as possible, with plywood under it to protect the driveway and every car moved out of the way. Do those four things and tear-off day starts on time, with debris going straight from the roof into the container.
This guide covers what to do before a roofing crew arrives, step by step, with Green Bay and Wisconsin conditions in mind.
Roofing Dumpster Prep Checklist (Quick Answer)
| When | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 weeks before | Measure the roof and confirm dumpster size, drop spot and delivery date with your roofer | Prevents a dumpster that is too small or blocked access |
| 3 to 5 days before | Check the driveway, overhead lines, low branches and gate width | The truck must be able to reach the spot |
| Day before | Dumpster delivered; plywood laid under the wheels; cars out of driveway and garage | Crew can start immediately |
| Night before | Clear 15 feet around the house, cover attic and garage items, photograph siding, landscaping and driveway | Protects belongings and documents existing condition |
| Morning of | Pets inside, gates unlocked for the crew, windows closed | Safety and smooth access |
1. Choose the Right Dumpster Size First
Most prep problems start with a dumpster that is too small. Size depends on the roof’s area, the number of layers and the shingle type. Measure first: our guide on how many squares your roof has shows how to convert your roof into squares and then into a dumpster size.
If your roof has two layers, plan for noticeably more weight and volume than a single layer. Debris is heavy, and a full load can go over the included tonnage. Our posts on what a second layer adds to a dumpster load and on how much a roofing tear-off weighs explain the numbers.
Our current rental prices are $200 for 10 yards, $230 for 15 yards, $270 for 20 yards, $300 for 30 yards and $350 for 40 yards, each for a 7-day rental. The 30 yard includes 4 tons and the 40 yard includes 5 tons. See our roofing dumpster rental page for sizes that suit roof tear-offs.
2. Schedule Delivery the Day Before
Book delivery for the day before tear-off. A container that is already in place means the crew can unload materials, set up and begin stripping shingles on arrival. If delivery is the same morning, a late truck delays the whole job.
Make sure both you and your roofer know who is booking the dumpster. Confirm three things with your roofer: the size, the spot and the delivery date. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. Pick the Best Spot for the Dumpster
The best spot is level, close to the house and under or near the roof edge being stripped. Crews can then toss or chute debris directly in. A spot far from the roof means more hauling by hand, more time and more stray nails in the yard.
- Driveway: Usually easiest, if the dumpster fits and the truck can reach it.
- Street or curb: Use it when the driveway is too narrow, steep or full. Check local rules first, because placing a container on a public street can require approval. Our permit guidance is available when you call us.
- Yard: Possible only on firm, dry ground. Soft or wet Wisconsin ground in spring and after rain can leave ruts.
Check for overhead wires, low branches and tight gates before delivery day. A truck that cannot get in cannot drop the dumpster.
4. Protect the Driveway
A loaded dumpster is heavy. Placing 2×10 or 3/4 inch plywood boards under the wheels or rails spreads the weight and helps prevent scuffing and cracking, particularly on asphalt, pavers and older concrete. Ask us about boards when you book; if you provide them, lay them out before the truck arrives.
5. Clear Vehicles and Space
- Move all cars out of the driveway and garage the night before.
- Move trailers, boats and campers that block access.
- Move patio furniture, grills and planters at least 15 feet from the house.
- Trim low branches that could block the truck or the crew.
6. Protect the House, Attic and Garage
Tear-off shakes the whole house. Cover items stored in the attic and garage with plastic sheeting, take pictures and mirrors off exterior walls and upper-floor walls, and expect dust and vibration. Close windows and keep children and pets away from the work area.
Take dated photos of your siding, gutters, landscaping and driveway before work begins. If there is a dispute later, you will have a record of the original condition.
7. Know What Goes in the Roofing Dumpster
Shingles, underlayment, flashing scraps and roof decking are the usual roofing debris. Do not toss in paint, solvents, batteries, tires or other prohibited items. Read what can’t go in a dumpster in Wisconsin before loading anything unusual. If your job includes plywood, our post on putting shingles and plywood decking in the same dumpster covers how to load it.
Wet shingles weigh more than dry ones, so a rainy or snowy tear-off can push a load closer to the weight limit. Cover the dumpster with a tarp when the forecast is wet and do not overfill past the top edge.
8. Do a Nail Sweep After the Job
Ask the crew to run a magnetic sweep over the driveway and yard when tear-off is done. Stray nails are the most common cause of flat tires after a roofing job. Then call us for pickup. If you are unsure about weight charges, see our page on dumpster overweight fees.
Roofing Dumpster Prep: Frequently Asked Questions
When should the roofing dumpster be delivered?
The day before tear-off is the standard. It gives you time to confirm the spot, protect the driveway and fix any access problems before the crew shows up. Call us at (920) 876-6287 and we will line the delivery up with your roofer’s start date.
Where should a roofing dumpster be placed?
As close to the roof edge as the driveway allows, ideally right under the eave where the crew is working, on level ground. This lets workers drop shingles straight in instead of carrying them across the yard.
Will a dumpster damage my driveway?
A loaded dumpster is heavy and can scuff or crack a driveway, especially asphalt in summer heat. Laying plywood boards under the dumpster’s wheels or rails spreads the load and prevents most marks.
Do I need to move my cars before the crew arrives?
Yes. Clear the driveway and garage the night before so the delivery truck, the dumpster and the roofing crew have room to work.
What size dumpster do I need for a roof tear-off?
It depends on roof size, the number of layers and the shingle type. A single-layer tear-off on a typical home often fits a 20 or 30 yard dumpster, but measure your roof in squares first. Our guide on how many squares your roof has walks through it.
Can the roofing crew fill the dumpster with other debris?
Keep it to roofing materials unless your rental terms say otherwise. Mixed loads and banned items can change pricing, so ask us before you add anything that is not shingles, underlayment or decking.
Who books the dumpster, me or my roofer?
Either works. If your roofer books it, confirm the size, drop spot and delivery date with them before the crew arrives. If you book it yourself, give your roofer the delivery date and the spot.
Need a Roofing Dumpster in Green Bay?
Tell us your roof size and start date and we will recommend the right dumpster size.