Trying to determine exactly how much waste containment you need for your next job? Knowing what size dumpster do I need is one of the first questions commercial project coordinators and residential builders ask when organizing a site cleanup. After all, when concrete chunks, drywall pieces, wood slivers, and roofing shingles start piling up on a hectic work day, you want to make sure you have a foolproof system ready to contain all that debris. Prevent worksite accidents and keep your construction crews focused on their jobs by choosing the perfect dumpster size.
Use this comprehensive dumpster size guide to factor in every element of your project. From demolition to remodeling to new builds, we’ll cover every question you could possibly have about construction dumpster sizes. With just a few tips and considerations, you can ensure that your work area stays completely tidy from start to finish.
Why Should I Care About Dumpster Size?
Adequate waste management not only affects your workers’ ability to move around the site each day but your bottom line as well. Take a look at how dumpster size makes an impact:
Efficiency
When trash has a designated place to go, projects run smoothly. If workers don’t have to spend time hauling building materials back and forth or navigating around tall piles of demolition debris, they can do their job more quickly. Dump debris straight into the dumpster and keep your site’s walkways accessible. Large bins allow multiple crews to work at the same time without bumping into one another.
Cost
Ordering the wrong size dumpster could cost you, leaving you making extra trips to the landfill, which means more charges on your bill. Not to mention renting a bin that’s too big wastes money on air you won’t fill. Order a container that fits your needs, and you’ll never overspend on your project.
Accreditation
Improper waste management can come with fines and work stop orders. Make sure you’re following the rules laid out by your city.
What Are The Sizes of a Roll-Off Dumpster?
There are several factors to consider when selecting a dumpster size. Project size typically measures in square feet, but dumpster volume is represented by the container’s holding capacity.
10 Yard Dumpster
The small dumpster can hold approximately 3-4 pickup truck loads of debris and measures 12×8×3.5 feet. It is mostly used for small remodeling projects and minor bathroom renovations. It’s also great for smaller jobs where you may not have much room on your driveway or street.
20 Yard Dumpster
This intermediate-sized dumpster holds about 6 pickup truck loads and measures 22×5×4 feet. It’s one of the most versatile dumpster sizes, used for roof replacements, deck demolitions and kitchen remodels.
30 Yard Dumpster
Perfect for major home renovations, estate cleanouts, and light commercial renovations. This dumpster holds 9 pickup truck loads and has taller walls than our previous two containers. Its dimensions are 22×7.5×6 feet.
40 Yard Dumpster
Our largest dumpster is designed for commercial jobs, whole-house demolitions, and large-scale infrastructure projects. With a capacity of 12 pickup truck loads, this giant can really handle the heaviest of debris. You will need a lot of room on your property for a dumpster this size.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Size of Dumpster You Need
How will each of these aspects affect your dumpster needs? While calculations may seem like a nuisance, by taking the extra time to assess your job site, you’ll prevent any wasted expenditures. Let’s review:
Type of Project
A demolition project will always generate more irregular waste than new construction. Interior framing guttings also require more space due to the volume that old drywall, insulation, and studs take up inside the dumpster.
Volume of Debris
Try to think of your debris as if it were loose and uncompressed. Fluffy materials such as cardboard, packing peanuts, and bubble wrap take up a lot of space without weighing very much. Be sure to pack those fluffy materials into the corners of your container.
Weight of Waste
Solid materials like concrete, brick, asphalt, tile, and dirt should always be put into either a 10-yard dumpster or a 20-yard dumpster. Because these materials are extremely dense and heavy, they have the potential to exceed legal road weight limits. The largest 40-yard dumpsters have a hard time lifting a full load of solid concrete off the ground.
Length of Project
If your project will take several months to complete, it might be worth it to get a larger dumpster. That way, your workers won’t have to waste time waiting for a new bin to be delivered. For one-day projects, consider a smaller dumpster that will only need to be picked up once at the end of the day.
Your Dumpster is Too Small If…
- You’re constantly forcing more debris into the bin.
- You’re scheduling more than one pickup during a week.
- You see trash piling up around your dumpster.
Quick Job Site Organization Quiz
Check whether your job site services are scaled to meet your workers’ needs.
- Is your dumpster within 50 feet of where the majority of the work will be taking place?
- Can a garbage truck fit into your work area without having to move other trucks/cars?
- Are you separating heavy and light debris?
Hint. If you answered no to any of these questions, your work efficiency may improve if you restructure your job site layout.
Other Job Site Amenities
Don’t have all the answers? No problem, here are a few more solutions we provide to keep job sites efficient.
Construction Fence Rentals
Construction fencing helps keep job sites secure and maintains the safety of your neighborhood. Our fencing keeps job sites contained and your materials safe from theft.
Mobile Toilet Trailer Rentals
A clean toilet can make all the difference when it comes to worker productivity. Keep your employees on site and happy with one of our mobile toilet trailers. We offer luxury trailers with flush toilets for construction sites of all types.
Construction Storage Containers
These containers are large enough to store multiple construction vehicles. Keep your construction equipment safe from the elements and theft by renting a storage container from Texas Johns.
Texas Roadway Cleaning Services
Eventually, parking your trucks and machinery on the street is unavoidable. Make sure you’re leaving your jobsite as you found it with our Texas roadway cleaning services.
Dumpster Rental Tips
Ready to select a dumpster size, but not sure where to place it? Here are a few tips to follow when setting down that dumpster pad.
Placement
Dumpsters need to be placed on flat surfaces where a fully loaded dumpster can be placed without harming any landscaping. Make sure there are no tree branches, overhangs, or power lines in the way before placing your dumpster.
Safety
Never place your dumpster in an area that could obstruct a fire hydrant or access to building exits. If you plan on keeping your dumpster on the street, you’ll need to acquire a permit from your city.
Traffic
Make sure you leave enough room for the rest of your crew to get around. You don’t want your dumpster cutting your job site in half.
Partnering with Texas Johns Means Help Every Step of the Way
Providing construction crews with the necessary tools to do their job is only half the battle. When you’re managing a project, you want to make sure that you have trustworthy suppliers who have your back. Texas Johns has been serving the construction industry for years. We offer everything from construction fencing to dumpster rentals to portable toilet trailers.
Need help selecting the right dumpster size? Contact Texas Johns for expert guidance and dependable roll-off rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size dumpster should I get for kitchen remodeling?
A 20-yard dumpster is perfect for kitchen remodeling waste. It gives you just enough room for cabinetry, countertop materials, flooring, and leftover drywall.
Q: What is the weight limit on a dumpster rental?
Weight limits do exist. If you plan on throwing away heavier materials, like concrete and brick, you’ll want to stick with a 10 or 20-yard dumpster.
Q: Can I throw multiple construction waste products in one dumpster?
You can throw most debris in one dumpster. Items that are hazardous, extremely heavy, or electronic need to be disposed of in separate dumpsters.
