Shed Demolition Dumpster Guide
Shed demolition seems like a small job until you actually start pulling it apart. Here is how to size it correctly the first time.
What Size Dumpster for Shed Demolition
- Small storage shed, under 100 sq ft — 10-yard
- Standard garden or utility shed, 100 to 200 sq ft — 15-yard
- Larger shed or workshop structure — 20-yard
What Actually Comes Out of a Shed Teardown
Framing lumber, siding, roofing material, and often a concrete or paver base if the shed was built on one. Older sheds sometimes have asbestos-containing siding material, especially structures built before the 1980s, which is not accepted in a standard roll-off and needs separate disposal if present.
Don’t Forget What’s Inside
Sheds tend to accumulate their own version of clutter over the years, old paint cans, garden chemicals, propane tanks for grills, none of which are allowed in a standard dumpster. Clear out and separately dispose of anything hazardous before demolition begins, rather than discovering it mixed into the debris pile partway through.
Concrete Pads and Footings
If the shed sits on a concrete pad you are also removing, that adds substantial weight beyond the structure itself. Concrete is one of the heaviest common materials by volume, so a small shed with a concrete pad can end up needing more weight allowance than the structure size alone would suggest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dumpster do I need to tear down a shed?
Most standard garden sheds fit a 15-yard. Very small sheds can use a 10-yard, and larger structures or workshops often need a 20-yard.
Can old shed siding contain asbestos?
It can, especially on structures built before 1980. If you are unsure of your shed’s age or siding material, it is worth checking before demolition, since asbestos material cannot go in a standard dumpster.
Does a concrete shed pad need a bigger dumpster?
Not necessarily bigger, but it adds meaningful weight. Mention it when you book so we can confirm the right weight allowance.