What Dumpster Size Do I Need?

by | Dec 16, 2024 | Dumspter Rental

Why does it matter what dumpster size you choose? How will it benefit me, and how do I know the right size? This article aims to teach you the importance of choosing the right dumpster size for your projects, what you must do, and more! Read on so you can learn all you need to know about choosing the right-sized dumpster for any project you do!

Why It is Important to Choose the Right Dumpster Size

It is Efficient

Putting extra thought into choosing the right dumpster size goes a long way in terms of efficiency. Firstly, it is cost-efficient and will significantly impact your overall project costs. How? A dumpster that you’ve chosen that is the proper size helps avoid overage costs, which means if you choose a dumpster that is too small, you would have to pay to get more dumpsters, which can come with additional fees for pickups and more containers. Conversely, an overly large dumpster can lead to unnecessary rental costs.

It is also efficient in terms of waste management. A correctly sized dumpster ensures that all waste can be contained without overflow. If a dumpster is overflowed, it can lead to additional cleanup and disposal complications. It is especially important to avoid overflow if the project has many kinds of waste with different volume and density characteristics (like construction materials).

A truck dumping the contents of a black dumpster in a landfill.

Choosing the Right Dumpster Size

Things to Consider

You should consider important factors when choosing the right dumpster size: your type of project, the volume of waste, the weight of materials, space available, budget concerns, and how long your project is. When it comes to the type of project you have, knowing how long it will be matters and the kind of material you will be disposing of. Small projects like garage clean-out will likely need a 10 – 20 cubic yard dumpster. A larger one, like major renovations or demolitions, will need large dumpsters, probably about 30-40 cubic yards. It would help if you were also mindful of the weight limits of the dumpsters you will rent. For example, you may be working with heavy materials like concrete. This may require a smaller dumpster due to the weight of the bricks. This means you might need to rent multiple smaller dumpsters instead of a large dumpster for the concrete.

It also matters how long your project will last. A short project might need one or two dumpster rentals. Longer projects like home remodeling might need several dumpsters or multiple pickups, which can increase the price. As long as you take into account how much you can spend that is within your budget while also selecting the right dumpster/s for your project.

Choosing the Right Size

Once you have figured out how much you’re willing to spend, what kind of project you’re doing, and what materials you’re working with, it’s time to do a little math. The size of dumpsters is measured in cubits. One cubic yard is equal to about 5-6 standard 13-gallon trash bags. You also need to consider the weight of the materials. Once you have, then you can calculate the volume of your materials. You can calculate the volume by measuring the dimensions of your waste using the formula: length (ft) x Width (ft) x Height (ft) / 27. This converts cubic feet to cubic yards since there are 27 cubic feet in a cubic yard.

After you have estimated the total volume of waste you’ll have left over, it will help you determine which dumpster size you need and how many pick-up trips you’ll need. It is also a good idea to consult with your dumpster rental provider.

A row of red dumpsters lined up next to each other.

Extra Tips on Choosing the Right Dumpster Size

Mistakes to Avoid

People must correct common mistakes in the right dumpster size for their projects. One needs to be more accurate in the amount of waste their project will generate. This can result in overfilling a small dumpster and needing to pay for additional pickups, which will increase costs for your project. This can go hand in hand with people choosing their dumpster size based solely on price. They might decide to go with a small cheap dumpster, but then they will have to end up paying more money for dumpster pickups than if they just rented out the right size dumpster they needed in the first place.

Another mistake that people don’t consider is ignoring local regulations. Some municipalities have specific guidelines on where dumpsters are located and how long they can remain on site. Not obeying the rules of certain HOAs can have negative consequences. For example, ignoring regulations for waste disposal can result in environmental damage, like contaminating water bodies or soil pollution. They can cause safety hazards like blocking pedestrian walkways, or overfilled dumpsters can cause injuries to workers or bystanders. It can also result in hefty fines and legal issues, which will delay your project and increase the costs of your project.

Consulting with dumpster rentals

When it comes to dumpster rentals and what to expect, there are some things you can do to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Choosing a reputable local dumpster rental service you can count on is important. After you have decided what dumpster rental company you want to go with, you will hopefully have the information you need to relay to them, like the scope of your project, the materials you are working with, your estimated waste volume, and what size dumpsters you need. You will discuss pricing options, dumpster sizes they have, fees, weight limits, and other details. As long as you are concise, clear, and able to answer their questions effectively, they may supply you with the dumpsters you need; you can rest assured the consultation will be smooth and hassle-free.

A truck trailer, a large black size dumpster.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article helped inform you how to choose the right dumpster, why it is important, and other helpful tips. Now, you will be informed and knowledgeable about choosing your dumpster size and avoid any preventable mishaps regarding waste removal. That’s why Beaver Bins is a great dumpster rental service that removes your trash and provides free consultations that will help assist you in the process of choosing their right dumpster size for your project! You can check out our website and see if we service your local area today.

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