Weight overages are the #1 surprise fee in dumpster rentals. Most people underestimate how heavy construction materials are — especially roofing shingles, concrete, and dirt. This guide gives you the actual weights so you can estimate your tonnage before ordering.
Quick Reference
- Average overage rate: $50-$100 per ton over the limit
- Typical included tonnage: 2-4 tons depending on dumpster size
- Heaviest common materials: Concrete (2 tons/cubic yard), dirt (1.5 tons/cubic yard), shingles (250-300 lbs per square)
Material Weight Chart
Use this chart to estimate how much your debris will weigh:
| Material | Weight per Cubic Yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 4,000 lbs (2 tons) | Extremely heavy — often needs dedicated dumpster |
| Dirt/soil | 2,200-3,000 lbs | Wet dirt is heavier; ask about dirt policies |
| Asphalt shingles | 400-500 lbs per square | 1 square = 100 sq ft of roof |
| Brick | 3,000-3,500 lbs | Similar to concrete in weight |
| Drywall | 500 lbs | Relatively light; volume is usually the limit |
| Wood/lumber | 300-500 lbs | Varies by type; wet wood is heavier |
| Mixed household junk | 200-400 lbs | Lightest debris type |
| Carpet | 300-400 lbs | Rolls take up more space than weight |
| Ceramic tile | 1,500-2,000 lbs | Heavier than it looks |
| Yard waste | 400-800 lbs | Wet/green waste is heavier than dry |
Roofing Weight Calculator
Roofing jobs are notorious for weight overage surprises. Here's how to estimate:
- Step 1: Calculate your roof area in squares (total sq ft ÷ 100)
- Step 2: Multiply by 250-300 lbs per square (single layer asphalt)
- Step 3: Multiply by number of layers
| Roof Size | Single Layer | Double Layer |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | 1.9-2.3 tons | 3.8-4.5 tons |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | 2.5-3.0 tons | 5.0-6.0 tons |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | 3.1-3.8 tons | 6.3-7.5 tons |
| 3,000 sq ft (30 squares) | 3.8-4.5 tons | 7.5-9.0 tons |
Note: Add 10-15% for underlayment, flashing, and other materials.
Typical Weight Limits by Dumpster Size
| Dumpster Size | Typical Weight Limit | Max if Heavy Debris |
|---|---|---|
| 10-yard | 2-3 tons | 2 tons (concrete/dirt) |
| 15-yard | 2-4 tons | 3 tons (concrete/dirt) |
| 20-yard | 3-4 tons | 4 tons (concrete/dirt) |
| 30-yard | 4-5 tons | 5 tons (construction mix) |
| 40-yard | 5-6 tons | 6 tons (light debris only) |
Red Flags: When You'll Likely Go Over
Be extra careful estimating weight for these projects:
- Roof tear-off with multiple layers: Each layer is 2-3+ tons
- Driveway or patio removal: Concrete weighs 2 tons per cubic yard
- Bathroom tile removal: Tile + mortar + backer board adds up fast
- Dirt from landscaping: Especially wet dirt after rain
- Basement cleanout with old appliances: Appliances are surprisingly heavy
How to Avoid Weight Overages
- Ask about included tonnage BEFORE booking: "How many tons are included?"
- Ask the overage rate: "What do you charge per ton over the limit?"
- Estimate conservatively: Add 20% to your weight estimate as buffer
- Don't mix debris types: Keep heavy materials separate if possible
- Consider a dedicated heavy debris dumpster: Often has better weight pricing
- Watch wet debris: Rain-soaked materials weigh significantly more
Clean Load Discounts
Some haulers offer discounts for "clean loads" — dumpsters containing only one material type that can be recycled:
- Clean concrete: Can be recycled; may get 10-20% discount
- Clean wood: May be accepted at biomass facilities
- Clean metal: Has scrap value; some haulers credit this
- Clean cardboard: Recyclable; may reduce costs
Ask your hauler: "Do you offer any discounts for clean loads?"
When to Consider Multiple Dumpsters
For large projects with heavy debris, it may be cheaper to order two smaller dumpsters than pay overages on one large dumpster:
- Scenario: 3,000 sq ft roof tear-off (double layer) = ~7.5 tons
- Option A: One 30-yard with 5 tons included + 2.5 tons overage = $485 + $175 = $660
- Option B: Two 15-yard with 4 tons each included = $345 × 2 = $690
- Better option: Ask about a "roofing special" with higher tonnage included
Questions to Ask About Weight
Before you book, get clear answers to these questions:
- "How many tons are included in the quoted price?"
- "What is your overage rate per ton?"
- "Do you have special pricing for heavy debris (concrete, shingles)?"
- "How is the weight determined?" (Most haul to a scale)
- "Do you offer clean load discounts?"
Frequently Asked Questions
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