A roofing project can produce a large amount of debris in a short time. Once tear-off begins, shingles, nails, underlayment, flashing and damaged decking need a safe place to go without blocking the crew or creating problems around the property.
That makes dumpster planning part of the roofing schedule—not an afterthought.
Before arranging a roofing dumpster rental in Ottawa, confirm the scope of the roof, describe every material being removed and make sure the delivery truck can safely reach the proposed location. This checklist will help homeowners, roofers and project managers prepare before the bin arrives.
The quick roofing-dumpster checklist
Before confirming delivery, gather:
- The approximate roof area in roofing squares
- The number and type of shingle layers being removed
- Any underlayment, flashing, insulation or decking that may also be discarded
- The preferred delivery and pickup dates
- A photo and measurements of the placement area
- Any permission or City permit required for the location
- A clear truck route with safe overhead clearance
- The provider’s material, fill-line and weight instructions
These details help the dumpster provider recommend a suitable service and spot access problems before the truck is dispatched.
1. Measure the roof and describe the complete waste stream
Roofing contractors commonly describe roof area in “squares.” The National Roofing Contractors Association defines one roofing square as 100 square feet of roof area.
Ask the roofing contractor for the approximate number of squares, the number of layers and the type of shingles being removed. Also confirm whether the project may generate:
- Felt or synthetic underlayment
- Metal flashing and drip edge
- Damaged plywood or other roof decking
- Insulation
- Packaging from new materials
- Debris from a separate renovation
Do not estimate the load from the home’s floor area alone. Roof slope, dormers, additions and attached garages can all affect the actual roof surface. A second shingle layer can also add substantial debris without changing the visible footprint of the roof.
The City of Ottawa’s Solid Waste Services By-law classifies shingles as construction and demolition waste. Keep paint, solvents, fuel, batteries, propane cylinders and other regulated materials separate unless the provider has expressly confirmed the correct handling method.
What if older roofing material may contain asbestos?
Do not place suspected asbestos-containing roofing material in a regular shingle load.
Ontario’s procedures for asbestos work and waste state that asbestos waste must be handled by an appropriately licensed waste hauler and that the receiving site should be notified before delivery.
If the material may contain asbestos, arrange an assessment before it is disturbed. Greenway offers a separate asbestos disposal service for projects that require specialized handling.
2. Choose the bin by material, weight and access
Roofing debris can reach a container’s allowable weight before the bin appears full, so volume is only part of the decision.
Greenway currently offers 14-, 20-, 30- and 40-yard mixed-waste roll-off dumpsters. Its published service information identifies the 20-yard container as an option for medium-sized projects, including roofing work.
That does not make one size suitable for every roof. The final recommendation should account for:
- Roof area and number of layers
- Shingle type and additional materials
- Estimated debris weight
- Available placement space
- Truck access
- Delivery, rental and pickup plan
Provide those details to Greenway before ordering. Do not rely on an online roof-square conversion or assume that a larger container automatically allows a heavier roofing load.
3. Measure and photograph the placement area
The container’s footprint is only the starting point. A roll-off truck needs additional room to approach, unload the bin and retrieve it.
Choose a location that is firm, level and reasonably flat. It should remain clear of parked vehicles, garage doors, entrances, soft ground, septic components and utility covers. The container and truck route must also avoid blocking a sidewalk or neighbouring access.
Check the container dimensions on Greenway’s residential dumpster service page, then ask how much additional truck clearance the site requires.
Send a clear photo of the proposed location and the approach from the street. Include nearby buildings, gates, narrow turns, wires, branches and portable basketball nets. A photo often reveals an obstacle that measurements alone miss.
Ask Greenway how the driveway or surface should be prepared. Do not place boards or blocks in the truck’s route unless the driver or dispatcher has instructed you to do so.
4. Confirm whether the bin will use City property
A bin placed entirely on private property is different from one that occupies a roadway, public laneway, sidewalk or City-owned boulevard.
The City of Ottawa lists a roll-off or disposal bin in a roadway or public laneway as an activity requiring a Temporary Construction-Related Encroachment permit. The City currently requires at least 10 business days to process an application, with more time possible for complex locations or parking changes.
Do not assume the sidewalk or edge of the lawn marks the property line. Greenway’s guide to Ottawa dumpster permits explains common driveway, street and laneway scenarios. When the property is rented, shared or part of a condominium, obtain any permission required from the owner, landlord, condominium corporation or property manager.
5. Check overhead clearance and the full truck route
Roll-off delivery involves moving equipment above the truck and container. Check the complete route and unloading area for power lines, communication lines, tree branches, roof overhangs and other obstacles.
Hydro Ottawa requires at least three metres of clearance from overhead power lines, and only Hydro Ottawa staff or approved contractors may work within that distance. If the truck, raised hoist or container could enter that area, choose another location or contact Hydro Ottawa and Greenway before scheduling delivery. Never trim or move anything near an electrical line yourself.
Before delivery and pickup, clear vehicles, trailers, equipment, loose materials, snowbanks and anything else that narrows the route.
6. Coordinate loading and pickup with the roofing crew
The shortest path from the roof is not always the safest bin location. The roofer and dumpster provider should agree on which side of the container faces the work area, whether the rear door needs to open and which entrances or emergency routes must remain clear.
During the tear-off:
- Spread the load as evenly as practical
- Keep debris below the stated fill line
- Do not heap shingles above the top rails
- Keep unapproved materials out
- Do not push, compact or move the container
- Keep the rear door secured as instructed
- Do not climb into the bin
- Contact the provider if the load may reach its weight limit early
Plan for nail cleanup around the bin, driveway and walkways. A magnetic sweep after loading and again after pickup can help collect stray fasteners.
Protect the truck route throughout the project. Before pickup, move vehicles and equipment, remove loose debris, confirm that nothing projects above the rails and tell Greenway about any material or access issue. Do not relocate a loaded roll-off container.
Frequently asked questions
What size dumpster is best for roofing shingles?
There is no single size for every roof. Greenway’s published lineup includes 14-, 20-, 30- and 40-yard containers and identifies its 20-yard option for roofing work, but the final choice depends on roof area, layers, materials, weight and site access.
Can underlayment, flashing and roof decking go in the same bin?
They may be accepted as part of a roofing load, but confirm this before delivery. Large amounts of wood, insulation, metal or unrelated renovation waste can change the recommended service.
Does a roofing dumpster need a permit on an Ottawa driveway?
Ottawa’s encroachment process applies when the bin uses City property. A container entirely on private property may not create that situation, but part of an apparent driveway or front yard can fall within the municipal right-of-way. Confirm the property boundary and ask the City when the location is uncertain.
Plan the bin before tear-off day
When requesting a quote, provide Greenway with the project address, roof size, number and type of layers, other materials being removed, preferred dates, a placement photo and any known access or permit constraints.
Review Greenway’s residential dumpster options or contact the Greenway Ottawa team to discuss the roof, debris and delivery location.