An on-site dumpster is a definite time-saver when you have to rip off old shingles and install a new roof. But, you have several other ways to make your re-roofing job more efficient and problem-free. Whether you’re a roofing contractor or you plan to replace your own roof, follow these five tips for easy and safe roofing waste removal.

Have a Plan for Roofing Waste

In some parts of Illinois, you can dispose of used shingles yourself by dumping the waste materials at a landfill. However, if a landfill is located close to a shingle-recycling facility, the landfill may not be able to accept old shingles. Check the local laws and ordinances regarding roofing-material disposal before you order any roofing-related dumpsters. In some cases, if your shingles have asbestos, you must hire a licensed roofing contractor to remove and dispose of used roofing materials.

Estimate Volume and Weight of Shingles

You can get a general idea of how much volume you need to store your discarded roofing shingles by measuring the stacks of replacement shingles. However, you must also account for the volume of damaged decking, underlayment, flashing, and other roofing components you will also throw away. Weight of roofing materials can increase where one or more of the following are present:

Moss or ivy growth
Water-soaked wood or materials
Heavy corrosion and debris attachment

Rotted rafters, decking, purlins, and other framing materials can add weight and volume to the total contents of your dumpster. Ensure you adequately estimate the total weight and volume of your discarded roofing materials so you choose the correctly sized dumpster. Don’t overload dumpsters by volume or weight, or you increase your risk of liability for accidents and equipment damage. Dumpsters can quickly reach weight limits when filled with used roofing materials, so order more dumpster capacity by volume and weight than you think you’ll need if you want to keep your re-roofing operation efficient.

Protect the Perimeter of the Home

Your dumpster rental company may be able to park your dumpster close to the edge of the structure you re-roof. If so, you’ll have an easier time pitching small loads of shingles and materials directly into the dumpster. Whether the dumpster can or can’t be situated next to the structure, use tarps all around the perimeter of the structure’s foundation to catch falling nails, screws, and other debris. Wherever it’s convenient and safe to do so, lay tarps on landscaping, driveways, walkways, and other areas where fasteners and debris would be hard to find and remove. Use plywood over vulnerable windows and doors on the sides of the structure where you will pitch materials. Always look first and call out a warning before tossing materials into the dumpster or onto tarps. Call out a heads up to anyone you can’t see, even if you’re sure no one is below you.

Use Fall Protection on Roofs

Insist on fall protection for yourself, any workers removing old materials, and any roofing installers. Piles of shingles can become rather weighty and can easily knock you off balance when carrying the shingles or throwing them off a sloping roof. Approved harnesses and fall-protection rigging will ensure the roofing renovation stays safe and pain-free for everyone involved. Another safety practice is assembling roofing-material removal and installation tools ahead of time, so you don’t constantly climb up and down ladders and scaffolding. Wear work boots with gripping soles, safety glasses, and gloves when handling sharp roofing materials including flashing, vents, and chimney caps. Mount roofing jacks to rafters on deeply sloping roofs to help catch any sliding materials and serve as partial fall arresters. Never work on your roof alone.

Choose the Right Rental Dumpster

If you’ve never performed a re-roofing job before, talk to your dumpster rental company to learn more about the types of dumpsters they recommend for your site. If you can park the dumpster close to the structure, an open-topped dumpster is ideal. When you have to transfer debris from tarps or trucks, you may want a dumpster that loads from one end via an access door. Ask your dumpster rental company about their pickup policies. Be honest and upfront about how long you expect to use the dumpster, and pay attention to the call-in policies. Your pickup schedule may be pre-arranged, or you may have to call in your dumpster pick-up request. If you’re a roofing company or other contractor, establish a relationship with a quality dumpster company to receive the best dumpster service. Some companies are willing to deliver demolition and construction dumpsters to rotating development sites, while other rental companies prefer to drop off and pick up dumpsters at fixed locations. Enjoy flexible dumpster rental options for your roofing work by contacting Tri-State Disposal today. We provide dumpster services to individuals and businesses throughout the Greater Chicagoland and Northwestern Indiana regions.