Roofing waste is heavy, bulky, and it adds up faster than most people expect. Shingles, underlayment, ice and water shield, old vents, rotted decking by the time you’re done stripping a roof, you’ve got a serious pile of material that needs to go somewhere.
Get the bin size wrong and you’re either paying for space you didn’t use or scrambling for a second bin mid-job. Neither is a good look.
Here’s the straight answer based on real Calgary roofing jobs.
The Short Answer
| Roof Size | Recommended Bin |
|---|---|
| Under 1,500 sq ft | 15 Yard |
| 1,500 – 2,500 sq ft | 15 Yard (tight) or 20 Yard |
| 2,500 sq ft + | 20 Yard (possibly 2) |
| Multi-layer tear-off (2+ layers) | Size up one |
| Steep pitch or heavy tile | Size up one |
When in doubt size up. A second bin costs more than upgrading before the job starts.
Why Roofing Waste Is Different
Here’s what most people don’t think about: shingles are dense. A bundle of architectural shingles weighs around 70-80 lbs. Strip a full roof and you’re talking thousands of pounds of material.
That density matters for two reasons:
1. Weight limits — every bin has a maximum weight capacity. Roofing debris hits those limits fast. Our 20 yard bin includes 2 tonnes in the package pricing, most Calgary residential roofs fall right around that range. Go over and extra tonnage fees apply.
2. Space — shingles don’t stack neatly. Torn-off material goes in every direction. Even a modest roof generates more physical volume than you’d expect when it’s all in a pile.
Both factors push toward sizing up if you’re on the fence.
Calgary Roof Sizes — What’s Typical
Most Calgary residential homes fall into these ranges:
Bungalows (older inner-city): 900–1,400 sq ft roof deck — 15 yard bin, usually fits comfortably within the 1 tonne package.
Two-storey homes (suburbs): 1,400–2,200 sq ft roof deck — 15-20 yard bin works for a single layer. Two-layer tear-off or heavy architectural shingles, go with the 30.
Larger estate homes / acreages: 2,200 sq ft+ — 20 yard bin and possibly might need two. No question.
Commercial flat roofs: Call us. Flat roof membrane and insulation dispose differently than shingles and we’ll help you figure out the right solution.
Multi-Layer Tear-Offs — Size Up Every Time
If your roof has two or three layers of shingles on it (common in older Calgary homes where the second layer was installed over the first), automatically go one size up from what you’d normally choose.
Multi-layer material is denser, heavier, and takes up more space per square foot. A job that would fit in a 15 yard bin with one layer often needs a 20 or 30 with two.
Your roofer will know how many layers are on the roof before starting, ask them.
Roofing Bin Pricing at Bin Kings
- 20 Yard Bin — $250 | 2 tonne package $575 | 14’L x 8’W x 6’H
- 30 Yard Bin — $325 | 2 tonne package $650 | 16’L x 8’W x 6’H
7-day rental period. Same-day delivery available if you book before noon. We deliver across Calgary, Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Strathmore, Chestermere, and surrounding areas.
Tips for Roofing Contractors
If you’re a contractor running multiple roofing jobs, here’s what works:
Book the bin before the job starts — same-day is available but don’t count on it during peak season (May–September in Calgary). Book 24–48 hours ahead to guarantee your size and delivery window.
Keep material separated if possible — if you’re also replacing decking or fascia, keeping wood separate from shingles can reduce your disposal costs. We can advise on this when you call.
Load evenly — spread shingles across the bin floor rather than piling them in one corner. It keeps the bin balanced for pickup and avoids any load redistribution fees.
Need a swap? If the bin fills before the job is done, call us and we’ll arrange an empty-and-return. It’s billed as a new rental but we’ll turn it around fast so your crew isn’t waiting.
Ready to Book?
Tell us your roof size and we’ll confirm the right bin in under 5 minutes. Call (587) 333-3250) or book online.