Yes. You can put roofing shingles and plywood decking in the same dumpster. Asphalt shingles, plywood or OSB sheathing, felt underlayment, flashing, drip edge, and nails are all normal roofing debris, and they go in one roofing dumpster together. What matters is weight and space. Decking adds both, so tell your dumpster company before you book. This guide shows exactly how much decking adds and what size to rent for a roofing job in Green Bay.
What Roofing Materials Can Go in the Same Dumpster?
A tear-off makes a mix of materials. These all belong in the same container:
- Asphalt shingles
- Plywood and OSB roof decking (sheathing), including rotted or wet sheets
- Felt or synthetic underlayment
- Drip edge and metal flashing
- Roofing nails and fasteners
- Fascia, soffit, and trim boards from the roof edge
Keep other junk out. Household trash, paint, or banned items can get a load rejected. See what cannot go in a dumpster in Wisconsin.
How Much Does Plywood Decking Weigh?
Roof decking is usually 7/16-inch OSB or 1/2-inch plywood. A 4 ft x 8 ft sheet covers 32 square feet, so about 3 sheets cover one roofing square (100 square feet). Most dumpster guides skip these numbers. Typical weights per sheet:
| Decking type | Weight per 4×8 sheet |
|---|---|
| 3/8-inch plywood | about 32 to 35 lbs |
| 7/16-inch OSB | about 45 lbs |
| 1/2-inch plywood | about 43 to 48 lbs |
| 1/2-inch OSB | about 54 lbs |
| 5/8-inch plywood | about 52 to 58 lbs |
These are estimates. Real weights vary by brand and can be up to 20% different, and wet or rotted wood weighs more.
How Much Weight Does Decking Add to the Load?
Use about 1.5 pounds per square foot for 1/2-inch plywood and about 1.7 for 1/2-inch OSB.
| Decking replaced | Added weight |
|---|---|
| 10 sheets | about 450 to 550 lbs |
| 25 sheets | about 1,100 to 1,350 lbs (0.5 to 0.7 tons) |
| Full re-deck of a 25-square roof (about 78 sheets) | about 3,750 to 4,250 lbs (about 2 tons) |
Add this to your shingle weight. A 25-square roof with one layer of laminate shingles is about 6,000 pounds, or 3 tons. A full re-deck on top of that brings the load to about 5 tons. Not sure of your roof size? See how to measure your roof in squares.
Replacing decking too? Tell us how many sheets and we will size the dumpster.
Get a Free QuoteCall (920) 876-6287Worked Examples: Shingles Plus Decking
| Roof | Shingle weight | Decking | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 squares, 3-tab, one layer | about 3,000 lbs | 10 damaged sheets (about 500 lbs) | about 3,500 lbs (1.75 tons) |
| 20 squares, laminate, one layer | about 4,800 lbs | 25 sheets (about 1,200 lbs) | about 6,000 lbs (3 tons) |
| 25 squares, laminate, full re-deck | about 6,000 lbs | 78 sheets (about 4,000 lbs) | about 10,000 lbs (5 tons) |
The third example is right at the limit of a 40-yard, which includes 5 tons with us. That is why we plan a swap for big re-decks.
What Size Dumpster Do You Need for Shingles Plus Decking?
Plywood is bulky as well as heavy. Full sheets leave air gaps, so a few damaged sheets can take up more room than you expect. Use this guide for one layer of shingles:
| Job | Dumpster to plan for |
|---|---|
| Small roof, a few sheets of decking | 10 or 15 yard |
| Average roof, some decking replaced | 20 yard |
| Large roof, a lot of decking, or two layers | 30 yard, or two hauls |
Our 30-yard dumpster includes 4 tons and our 40-yard includes 5 tons. Tell us the squares, the layers, and the number of sheets. If you have two layers of shingles, read how a second layer changes the load.
Rotted, Wet, or Treated Wood: What to Know
- Rotted and wet decking: it goes in the same dumpster, but it weighs more. Mention it when you book.
- Treated lumber: roof sheathing is untreated, but pressure-treated wood from decks or posts is different. Some haulers do not accept it or want it kept separate. Ask us before you load any treated lumber.
- Old shingles on a pre-1980 home: some older roofing products contain asbestos and need a certified professional. They cannot go in a standard dumpster. If you are unsure, ask your roofer.
Other Roofing Materials and Their Weight
The small parts add up too:
| Material | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| #15 felt underlayment | about 7.5 to 12.5 lbs per square |
| #30 felt underlayment | about 16 to 27 lbs per square |
| Drip edge, flashing, and nails | light, but they take space and add a few dozen pounds |
Loose felt takes up three to four times the space of a rolled one, so toss it in loosely and stack other debris around it.
How to Load Shingles and Plywood Together
- Tell your dumpster company about the decking before booking.
- Put heavy shingles low and spread them out. Lay plywood sheets flat on top.
- Cut or break long sheets so they do not stick out above the fill line.
- Do not mix in other junk. It adds weight.
- Keep the load below the fill line. Material sticking out cannot be hauled.
- Cover the load before rain. Wet wood and shingles weigh more.
What if the Dumpster Is Overweight?
If the load goes over the included tons, you pay for the extra weight per ton. Ask for your per-ton price before you book. See how overweight fees work.
Before You Call: What to Tell Us
- Roof size in squares
- Number of shingle layers
- Shingle type (3-tab or architectural)
- How many decking sheets you may replace, and whether any are rotted or wet
- Your address and delivery date
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put roofing shingles and plywood in the same dumpster?
Yes. Shingles, plywood or OSB decking, underlayment, flashing, and nails all go in the same roofing dumpster.
Does plywood decking change the dumpster size I need?
It can. Decking adds weight and bulk, so a project that fits a 20-yard without decking may need a 30-yard with a full re-deck.
How many sheets of plywood are in one roofing square?
A 4×8 sheet covers 32 square feet, so about 3 sheets cover one square (100 square feet).
How much does a sheet of roof decking weigh?
A 4×8 sheet of 1/2-inch plywood weighs about 43 to 48 pounds. The same size in 1/2-inch OSB weighs about 54 pounds.
Can I put rotted wood in a roofing dumpster?
Yes. Rotted decking and sheathing are normal tear-off debris. Wet or rotted wood weighs more, so mention it when you book.
Do I need a separate dumpster for plywood?
No. One roofing dumpster handles shingles and decking together, as long as the total weight stays under the limit.