How to Dispose Old Shingles After a Roof Replacement

One of the most significant home remodeling projects you will undertake is replacing your roof. While a new roof offers protection and curb appeal, the old shingles that remain can be a pain. The majority of homeowners are unaware of how heavy and challenging it is to get rid of old shingles. You cannot simply throw them in the trash or leave them at the curb if you live in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area. The good news is that disposing of shingles doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. You can very quickly, legally, and sustainably clear your property with the help of Bins Toronto’s designated bins and the correct details.

Understanding Roofing Waste

There are various materials that are used in your home’s roofing, and disposing of these old shingles in a legal way is critical. Asphalt shingles, which are composed of fiberglass, tar, and gravel, are found on a large number of homes in Toronto. One to three tons of debris can be created by a single roof tear-off. What typically wraps up in a roofing waste pile is as follows:

• Shingles of asphalt
• Flashing and roofing nails
• Underlayment of felt or tar paper
• Pieces of plywood or wood decking
• Metal gutters and vents
• Antiquated packing and insulation materials

This material requires special handling because the majority of it is dense and non-biodegradable. Only after being gathered and transported to the appropriate facility can asphalt shingles, in particular, be reused in roadways or other asphalt-based products.

Why Proper Disposal Matters For All Roofing Replacements

In Toronto, improper shingle disposal can lead to severe environmental damage and expensive fines. Illegally disposing of roofing waste is prohibited by city ordinances and carries fines of up to $5000. More significantly, if asphalt shingles are disposed of in landfills, the petroleum-based materials they contain may release chemicals into the soil and water. Reducing emissions to net zero waste by Toronto’s Zero Waste 2040 goal and protecting local ecosystems are two benefits of properly disposing of old shingles.

This means two important things for contractors and homeowners: make sure shingles are recycled whenever possible by working with a licensed waste management company and adhering to the city’s disposal regulations.

Can Asphalt Shingles Be Recycled in Toronto?

Indeed, asphalt shingles are widely recyclable throughout Ontario, and there are several facilities in Toronto that take them. When asphalt is recycled, it is ground up and used as a base for new pavement or as hot-mix asphalt for roads. Recycling lowers carbon emissions, conserves petroleum, and lessens landfill waste. To ensure that recyclable roofing materials are handled correctly, Bins Toronto collaborates with nearby waste and recycling facilities like GFL Environmental, Miller Waste Systems, and Waste Connections. So you don’t have to worry about what happens after pickup, we sort and deliver your shingles to authorized recycling facilities.

Environmental Benefits of Recycling Shingles

• Reduces landfill volume and environmental pollution
• Conserves natural resources like gravel and petroleum
• Saves approximately one barrel of oil per recycled ton
• Contributes to Toronto’s sustainable waste diversion goals

How to Dispose Old Shingles in Toronto Step by Step

Whether you’re replacing a few sections of your roof or tearing off an entire layer, proper disposal starts with a plan. Here’s a straightforward guide for homeowners in Toronto and the GTA:

1. Book a roofing disposal bin – Contact Bins Toronto before your roof project begins to rent a disposal bin.
2. Choose the right size – Shingles are heavy, so we’ll recommend the right bin based on your roof size and layers.
3. Load responsibly – Place shingles, nails, and roofing materials directly into the bin. Avoid mixing with hazardous or wet waste.
4. We handle the rest – Once full, we pick up the bin and ensure the materials are taken to the proper recycling or disposal facility.
5. Get peace of mind – You’ve met local waste regulations and contributed to an eco-friendly disposal process.

How To Choose Bin Size for Roofing Waste

Picking the correct bin size is essential because shingles are much heavier than they look. Each square (100 sq. ft.) of asphalt shingles weighs between 250 to 300 pounds. A typical 2,000 sq. ft. roof can easily produce over 3,000 pounds of waste. Here’s a quick reference to help you choose:

Bins Toronto offers driveway-safe bins with low side walls for easy loading. We recommend scheduling delivery the day before your roofing project begins so your crew can toss debris directly into the bin as they work.

Roofing Waste Disposal Costs in Toronto

The cost to dispose old shingles depends on bin size, total weight, and disposal facility fees. Asphalt shingles are heavy, so costs are typically calculated by tonnage. On average, Toronto homeowners can expect to pay between 4-yard bin that starts from $275 and $650 for our 30-yard bin for roofing disposal using a professional bin rental service. The advantage of working with Bins Toronto is that our pricing is transparent and flat-rate, which means no surprise overage or dumping fees later.

Additional fees may apply for long-distance pickups or extended rental periods, but most Toronto-area projects are covered within standard pricing.

Eco-Friendly Roofing Shingles Disposal Tips

To make your roofing project more sustainable, consider these easy tips before tossing everything into a bin:

• Separate recyclable materials like metal flashing and gutters.
• Keep wood and asphalt shingles separate if possible to simplify recycling.
• Avoid mixing shingles with hazardous waste such as tar or asbestos-based materials.
• Ask your roofing contractor if they recycle shingles or work with eco-certified haulers.
• Reuse wood decking pieces if structurally sound.
• Choose local companies that prioritize recycling and waste diversion.

At Bins Toronto, we actively support eco-friendly disposal by diverting recyclable materials from landfills whenever possible. Each ton of recycled shingles can save a full barrel of oil and extend the life of asphalt roads by up to 20%.

What Happens If You Dump Shingles Improperly?

Illegal dumping is a major issue across the GTA, and roofing waste is one of the top culprits. The City of Toronto enforces strict bylaws to prevent illegal waste disposal, with fines that can reach $10,000 for repeat offenders. Beyond fines, improper dumping contributes to local pollution and damages community spaces. Using a licensed bin rental company like Bins Toronto ensures full compliance with city regulations, safe hauling, and responsible disposal. We maintain all necessary permits for transportation and disposal, giving you peace of mind that your waste won’t end up where it shouldn’t.

Where Do Shingles Go After Collection?

After pickup, shingles are transported to approved recycling and processing facilities. There, they’re sorted and ground into reusable material. The asphalt component can be repurposed for new roads, driveways, or parking lots, while aggregate components like sand and gravel are reused in construction. Non-recyclable materials are sent to licensed landfills. The goal is always to maximize recycling and minimize waste, keeping Toronto cleaner and greener.

How Can We Make Your Roofing Disposal Easy

We specialize in fast, reliable, and environmentally responsible bin rentals for construction and roofing waste across Toronto and the GTA. Here’s what sets our service apart:

• Driveway-safe bins that prevent surface damage
• Options for same-day delivery and pickup
• Rental durations that are flexible for major roofing projects
• Fully compliant with Toronto waste bylaws, licensed, and insured
• Recycling collaborations with nearby establishments
• Clear pricing with no additional fees

We make it easy to properly and efficiently dispose of old shingles, whether you’re a contractor overseeing several roofing projects or a homeowner replacing a few shingles.

The Smart Way to Dispose of Old Shingles in Toronto

Debris from roofing doesn’t have to be an inconvenience. You can finish replacing your roof while remaining environmentally conscious and compliant if you plan ahead, rent the appropriate bin, and make a commitment to recycling. Bins Toronto is proud to help homeowners and contractors keep the GTA clean, safe, and environmentally responsible one project at a time. For a quick quote or a quick bin delivery, contact our team and let us handle the heavy lifting.