1. Estimate the Type and Volume of Debris
The first step is identifying what you're throwing away. Different materials take up different amounts of space:
- Household junk (furniture, clothes, small appliances): bulky but lightweight.
- Construction debris (wood, drywall, tile): dense and heavy.
- Yard waste (branches, leaves, soil): varies greatly in density.
A good rule of thumb is that 1 cubic yard equals roughly the size of a standard washing machine. Think about how many “washing machines worth” of material you have.
2. Understand Common Dumpster Sizes
Dumpsters are typically measured in cubic yards. Here are the most common sizes and what they’re best for:
- 10-yard dumpster: Ideal for small cleanouts, minor remodeling, or yard debris. Fits about 3 pickup truck loads.
- 15-yard dumpster: Great for medium cleanouts or small renovation jobs. Holds about 4.5 pickup loads.
- 20-yard dumpster: Popular for home remodeling or roofing jobs. Fits 6 pickup loads.
- 30-yard dumpster: Best for large renovations or whole-home cleanouts. Holds 9 pickup loads.
- 40-yard dumpster: Suited for commercial projects or major demolitions. Up to 12 pickup loads.
3. Consider Weight Limits and Restrictions
Every dumpster has a weight limit. Heavy materials like concrete, brick, or roofing shingles can max out a dumpster’s weight capacity before it’s physically full. Overloaded dumpsters can lead to extra fees or even refusal of pickup.
Some materials may also have disposal restrictions. Be sure to check with your dumpster provider about items like mattresses, electronics, or hazardous waste.
4. Account for Access and Space
Make sure the delivery area can accommodate the size of dumpster you're ordering. Larger dumpsters require more space for both placement and pickup. If space is tight, you may need to go with a smaller dumpster and schedule multiple hauls.
5. When in Doubt, Size Up
It’s generally better to overestimate than underestimate. Ordering a slightly larger dumpster may cost a bit more upfront but will save you from needing a second rental or multiple trips—both of which can drive up your costs and timeline.
Need help choosing the right dumpster?
Contact Nick at Goodelman Demolition by calling 516-780-0074 or visiting our website for more information.