Replacing your roof is only half the job. You also need to know how to get rid of old roof shingles the right way.
Getting a new roof? That’s great! But what about the old shingles? You can’t just leave them in your yard or toss them in the trash.
If you live in Draper or nearby towns in Utah, here’s a simple guide to help you clean up and get rid of your old roofing materials the right way.
Table of Contents
How to Get Rid of Old Roof Shingles
1. Know What You’re Dealing With
Old roof shingles may not look like much, but they’re really heavy. In fact, most roofs create a couple tons of waste—we’re talking about thousands of pounds!
They can also have materials like fiberglass, which means you can’t just throw them in with your regular garbage. You’ll need a plan before you start tearing anything off.
2. Check the Local Rules
Before you get started, it’s smart to check with Draper City, Salt Lake County, or even the State of Utah. They may have rules about how to get rid of old roof shingles and where.
Some things to ask:
- Do I need a permit?
- Are there any fees?
- Can I recycle my old shingles nearby?
This step saves you a lot of stress—and maybe even some fines!
3. Rent a Dumpster
This is probably the easiest way to handle all the mess.
Many companies around Draper offer dumpster rentals just for roofing projects (whether it’s a shingle roof repair or shingle roofing installation). They’ll drop it off, pick it up, and take care of the trash.
Just make sure you get the right size (they’ll help you with that), and check that it’s okay to throw shingles in.
4. Recycle Your Shingles (If You Can)
Yes—roof shingles can be recycled! They’re often reused to help make roads. Pretty cool, right? There are also landfills and recycling companies that might accept them. Give them a call and ask:
- Do you take shingles?
- Can I drop them off?
- Do you offer pickup?
Recycling helps the planet and keeps stuff out of the landfill.
5. Be Careful When Handling Shingles
Old shingles can be sharp, dirty, and heavy. If you’re helping out with the project or doing it yourself, be safe:
- Wear gloves
- Use good shoes or boots
- Don’t carry too much at once
Also, never burn shingles! They give off toxic smoke and it’s illegal in Utah.
6. Protect Your Yard
Shingles falling from your roof can damage your grass, flowers, or driveway—and nobody wants that!
Before the tear-off starts, lay down tarps and cover anything you want to keep safe. After the job’s done, take time to clean up any leftover nails or scraps. A magnet on a stick works great for this!
DIY or Hire a Pro?
Taking on the job yourself might seem like a good way to save money, but getting rid of old shingles is no small task. It can get complicated fast. Between the weight of the shingles, city rules, dumpster rentals, and cleaning your yard, it’s a lot to handle.
That’s why hiring a local roofing contractor is often the smarter, safer choice. But not just any roofer—look for a company that:
- Handles disposal properly
- Protects your property
- Cleans up completely after the job
Let Patriot Roofing & Construction Handle It All!
Patriot Roofing & Construction knows exactly how to get rid of old roof shingles the right way. We use tarps, magnets, and Catch-All Systems to protect your yard and clean up every last piece. Whether you’re replacing your roof or upgrading to the best shingle roofing, we’ll make sure the process is clean and hassle-free. Just call today for a free estimate—and let us handle the roof and the mess so you don’t have to!