Choosing the right size dumpster for your project can be challenging for even the most experienced pros. There are many variables that factor into what would be the most cost-effective, practical choice. Below we will go over some of those factors, which should help you narrow down which size dumpster is right for you. Of course you can always have one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives help if you need some additional input at (860) 609-4027.
Will the Dumpster Have Enough Room For My Stuff?
The first thing you’re going to want to know is if all of the material you have will fit inside the dumpster. It’s generally suggested to order a dumpster that is going to give more then enough room for everything you’re going to put in it. If you order too small and it has to be dumped and returned to fill again, your cost is going to double. You also can’t have anything coming up over the top of the dumpster, so if you have any large objects like furniture or appliances, make sure to check the dimensions of the dumpster you are looking at to make sure they will fit. A good way to visualize approximately what size you’ll need is to imagine how many standard pickup truck loads it would take to haul away all of your materials if it was full up to the cab of the truck. Each truck load would be approximately 4 cubic yards of material. So, for example, if you have about 3 truck loads of material, you have about 12 cubic yards. Also keep in mind that dumpsters 10 yards and up have a swing door that opens in the back allowing you to walk in, while 8 yard dumpsters and smaller are only open on the top, requiring you to throw all of your material over the side.
How much weight do they hold?
The second thing you’re going to want to factor in when getting a dumpster is how much weight it can hold. Unless you’re putting all concrete or very dense material in the dumpster, you shouldn’t have an issue making it too heavy to be picked up (we do offer dumpsters specifically for dense material – call for details). There is, however, an included amount of weight that can be loaded in to the dumpster that you get with the rental. Any additional weight is generally charged at a per ton fee. It isn’t a huge deal if you go over the included weight, but make sure to note how heavy you think your material is. Included weights range from 1/2 ton to 4 tons, but can vary depending on town and circumstance. Make sure to get details on this when price shopping or calculating the final cost for renting dumpsters.
Will the Dumpster Fit On My Property?
Once you’ve figured out what size dumpster will hold all of your material, you’re going to need to make sure you have room on your property for it to be dropped off. We will provide wood to put below the dumpster so we won’t ruin your driveway or yard. We will need a waiver if placing the dumpster in your yard or a permit if placing on the side of the road by your property (call for details), but if it’s being placed in your driveway, no waiver is required. If you have a large driveway or yard to place it in, then all you’ll need to do is make sure there aren’t any low wires or branches that the truck might hit when lowering the dumpster.
What Type Of Truck Will Deliver My Dumpster?
There are three different types of trucks that deliver the dumpsters to you, which include roll-off, hook and toter trucks. Roll-off trucks are used for the larger dumpsters including 10, 12, 15, 20 and 30 yard containers. They require approximately 12 and a half feet when driving and 16 feet of clearance above them when unloading the dumpster without hitting anything. Hook trucks require less room and deliver a 10, 12 or 15 yard container with only about 12 feet when driving and 15 feet of clearance when loading and unloading the dumpster. Toter trucks deliver the smaller dumpsters including 4, 6 and 8 yard containers. They only require about 12 feet of clearance for the truck to get under. If you are unsure if you will have enough room, you can give us a call and we can look at an aerial view of your property online to see if you will have enough room for placement.
Are There Any Additional Costs?
The final thing you’re going to need to know before renting your dumpster is if there are going to be any additional costs on top of the rental fee. As we explained before, the weight is a possible additional cost if you go over the included tonnage for the dumpster rental. Another possible fee is a rental fee. It’s common to receive a certain period of time of free rental that varies depending on whether it’s the busy season or not. This usually varies between 7 to 14 days with a $5-$15 fee for each additional day, with some exceptions during the slower seasons. When finding out the rental period, be sure to ask if the dumpster is automatically picked up at the end of the rental period or if you have to call to get it picked up. At Connecticut Dumpster Rentals, we do not automatically pick up the dumpster after the rental period, as possibly taking it away before your project is complete could create a major inconvenience. Instead, we ask for a 24 hour notice of when you want the dumpster picked up so you can complete your project at your own pace. Make sure there are no fuel charges or environmental fees added on to the total cost as well, though this is more common for permanent commercial rentals. Other common fees include mattresses, box springs, items that contain or have contained Freon (refrigerators, AC units, etc) and tires, among others. These cost more since the transfer stations actually charge the dumpster companies a fee to dispose of them. It is very important to ask what you will be changed extra for when price shopping, as these costs can vary greatly by company. At Connecticut Dumpster Rentals, we are very up front with our items that bring an additional cost. Give us a call for details about these items in your area. These include:
- Mattresses & Box Springs – Call for details
- Tires – Call for details
- Items containing / that have contained Freon – $20 per item
Also be sure to check what cannot be included in the dumpster. These are usually pretty standard, but if you’re not sure of something, make sure to ask beforehand. Items we don’t allow in the dumpsters are:
- Liquid Paint (you can include paint cans if they are emptied and dried out)
- Asbestos
- Poisons
- Liquids
- Toxins
- Flammable Items
- Propane Tanks
- Car Batteries
- Gasoline
This information should help you get started on deciding what size dumpster you need for your project. Always make sure to ask questions if you are unsure of anything so there are no surprises after you have the dumpster picked up. And remember, you can always have one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives help if you need any help at (860) 609-4027.
A friend of mine rented a dumpster to help clean out his home, and we were thinking about doing the same thing. It’s interesting that you should find out if there is going to be and additional costs on top of the rental fee. I know that I would want to know exactly what I am paying in the end.
In your article, you stated that once you’ve figured out what size dumpster will hold all of your material, you’re going to need to make sure you have room on your property for it to be dropped off. My best friend and his wife are moving next week and they are trying to find a way to get rid of all their junk. I wonder what the best option would be for this particular situation.
My brother is doing a big project on his property that will have a lot of garbage and debris to be removed. You wrote that when you are considering different dumpster rentals, you should consider the materials that you will be throwing out and their weight. I know that there is going to be a lot of heavy metals involved with this project, so he’ll need to find a dumpster that can handle that weight.
That’s a great way to know how big of a dumpster I’ll need! Like you said, each regular truck load would be approximately 4 cubic yards of material. I’ve heard that there’s some dumpster services that will offer discounted rates if your return the dumpster sooner than expected. Is that true? I’ll have to keep this great info in mind for the next time I need a roll off dumpster.
We are hoping to remodel our kitchen in the summer, and I know there will be a lot of trash. We will definitely need a dumpster to get rid of it all. I like how you mentioned that dumpsters 10 yards and bigger have a door in the back. Being able to walk in sounds nice.
This is some really good information about dumpsters. I wouldn’t even know where to start when it comes to figuring ou what type of dumpster I would need. It does seem like a good idea to do what you suggested about asking about addition costs. I would want to know if there was anything I could do that would make it more expensive.
I like that you mentioned to at least estimate the weight your dumpster will need to hold. You want to get one that can hold the volume and the weight. There are many different size options so be sure to research which one you need.
A couple days ago, my brother came to me with some questions about getting a dumpster for rent. One of them was about the type of truck that will deliver the dumpster and what kind of room they will need. I will tell him the basic dimensions and let him know that he has options. This was very informative, thanks!
My sister owns a restaurant and she is currently having her inventory restocked. I would like to suggest her renting a dumpster so she wouldn’t have to deal with having a lot of stuff on the normal dumpster that she has at the back. I suppose one truckload would be enough to contain all the rubbish they will take out. I’ll discuss this with her and see if she approves. Thanks for the great tips!
I’ll definitely use your tip you mention of visualizing pick up truck loads when selecting a dumpster size. I’ve been looking at renting a dumpster since the remodel I have planned for my home will likely produce a lot of trash. Rather than making multiple trips in my truck to the landfill, having a dumpster would make things easier and go by much quicker.
Thanks for the tip to check to see if there are any additional costs on top of the rental fee when getting a dumpster. I have collected a good bit of scrap in my garage that I would like to dispose of, so I was thinking that a roll off dumpster rental would be perfect for my needs. In looking at options for rentals, I’ll be sure to check for additional costs.
My husband and I are wanting to remodel our kitchen and bathrooms this summer. We were thinking that we could probably do the demolition ourselves and then hire a contractor to do the actual remodeling. I like how you pointed out that you’ll want to rent a dumpster that gives you more than enough room. I didn’t know that you couldn’t have debris coming over the top. I would assume that calling a waste container company might also help you when trying to figure out what size dumpster you’d need.
Thanks for your comment about how you should rent a dumpster that fits where you need it. I like how you said that you have to get a waiver if needed. My cousin is looking to rent a roll off dumpster for a lot of construction waste that he needs to get rid of.
It’s interesting that you point out that it’s important to know how much weight is held by a dumpster, and that unless you’re putting all concrete or super dense material in it then you shouldn’t have an issue getting it picked up. My parents are doing some renovations on their kitchen and they need to rent a dumpster to help organize the mess. I wonder if old kitchen counters can go into a dumpster.
I like that you talked about getting the right size measurement of dumpster for your home or property. You need a place to keep it while you do your renovations or cleaning. I would make a plan on where to keep it during this time before hiring.
My brother was telling me about a project that he is interested in that may require a dumpster rental. He wants to research these rentals a little more before committing. I will be sure to let him know that he should ask if there are other charges besides the rental fee.
This is some really good information about roll-off containers. It is good to know that it would be smart to have a check what you can and can’t put in the container. I liked that you pointed out that propane tanks and liquid paints can’t be put in them. That is good for me as I do a home remodel this summer.
I like that you mention how it’s important to ensure you have enough room on your property for the size of dumpster you need. In order to do this, you’d probably want to figure out the size you need and then take a look at your yard to determine the best place to put the bin. When determining the location, you might also want to consider how the contractor will be able to bring the dumpster there, such as if it will need to go through a gate to your backyard.
Nicely Explained!
its really very useful for us. thanks for sharing this!
My wife and I need to rent a dumpster during our kitchen renovation, so thanks for these tips. I like your point about needing a waiver to place the dumpster. We’ll be sure to ask about this and clear a spot for the dumpster so things go smoothly.
I never knew that you might have to pay a fee for any extra days that you have your dumpster! My wife and I are planning to remodel our kitchen, and I have been thinking of getting a roll off dumpster so we can get rid of all of our cabinets. I will be sure to tell my wife that we should try and find a time frame for our remodel so we don’t have any extra fees!
That’s good to know that you need a waiver or a permit in order to put a dumpster in front of your property. My husband and I are planning to do a home renovation so we’re looking for a construction container for all the materials. We’ll have to call the city to see if we need a permit to put one in front of our home.
I really appreciate the information you provided on how to find the correct size of dumpster. Personally, I never would have thought to visualize how many standard pickup trucks of material I would need to have space for. With this information, I think that I am better prepared to look into dumpster rentals for my bathroom renovation project.
It was really nice to know that dumpster companies actually provide wood to place the dumpster on so that it doesn’t end up damaging the lawn. I am glad then because there is no space outside to put the dumpster on, I only have the lawn as another option. At least, now I feel more confident knowing that my lawn will not be damaged. Now I can rent one for the garage cleanup project.
Thanks for helping me understand that there is no waiver needed when the dumpster is going to be placed on your driveway. I will share this information with my best friend since they will be renting on when they get their house renovated next month. It appears that their house is already too old to handle the rain.
My parents are hoping to remodel their kitchen and bathrooms this coming summer. They want to take out all of the old cabinets and countertops. If they end up doing the remodel, they’ll want to rent a good sized dumpster to throw all of the old debris away in. You make a great point about how each full-sized truckload equates to about 4 cubic yards. Based on this calculation, my parents would probably need a 20-yard bin. I suppose the best thing to do is call a dumpster rental company and get their recommendation based on what it’s going to be used for.
I’m going to be doing a big home renovation. I need a dumpster in order to get rid of all the debris. I need something big, but that will still fit on my property. It’s good to know that I might need a permit to place a dumpster on the side of the road, like you said.
I might be allowed to rent a residential dumpster debris box as you mentioned if it has enough room for my stuff since I need everything to be gone in one go. I’ll be sure to rent according to how much weight it can hold as you suggest so that I won’t have to worry about the box breaking on me. If it can fit on my property as you suggested, I’ll be sure to rent their services because I want an organized-looking space at the lawn before everything goes.
Thanks for pointing out that it is suggested to order a dumpster that is going to give more than enough room for everything you’re going to put in it. My husband and I are moving out soon, and want to get rid of all the stuff we don’t need before we get to the new house. I think ordering a larger dumpster is a good idea in case we decide we need to throw out any furniture.
My brother will be cleaning up his garage and he wants everything to be clean. It was explained here that he should consider if the dumpster will have enough room for all of his things. Moreover, it’s recommended to hire professionals when in need of a dumpster rental service.
I like your tip about making sure that you have room on your property for a roll-off dumpster. Renting a garbage bin is a great idea for extensive cleaning and waste disposal. My friend wants to clear out his entire property, so I’ll help him find a junk removal service that rents out dumpsters.
I like your tip about getting a permit to get a dumpster. That makes sense considering you want to be able to legally throw away your scrap metal or trash in large quantities. I’ll have to consider your tips so that I can throw away enough stuff during a remodel.
Making sure that you are aware of all the various costs is a great idea. Checking for additional costs is a great idea. My sister might like knowing this as she looks for a dumpster rental.
Thanks for mentioning how it is better to rent a dumpster that is larger than what you need instead of getting a smaller one that you need to fill up multiple times and thereby double your cost. My mom is a bit of a hoarder, and my siblings and I have gathered together to help my mom make a plan for cleaning up her home. We will need a dumpster to help us clean the home, so we will be sure to get one that is slightly larger than what we need to help us save money.
It was really interesting to learn about what dumpster size you need. My sister is thinking about doing a big construction project. Getting a professional to help would be really helpful.
It’s great that you mentioned how choosing a dumpster rental service that offers multiple different sizes will ensure that you have what you need for a project. When my brother and I start cleaning out his garage, we will need a way to get rid of any debris and junk that we might find as we clean out the shelves, but he doesn’t have enough room in his trash can to rid rid of everything. We’ll look for a dumpster rental service that offers exactly what we need for our project.
It makes sense that you would want to rent a dumpster that will fit where you need it. Mt brother is remodeling his kitchen, and he needs to rent a roll-off dumpster. We will measure the area where he is planning on setting it so we can get the right size unit.
Thanks for sharing this article. I never understood the importance of choosing different sizes of dumpster for different types of trash. Now I am clear with many ideas.
I’m planning to have my kitchen remodeled, and of course, there’ll be debris in there which needs to be disposed of. That’s why I’m thinking of hiring a dumpster service. I’ll make sure to prepare an additional cost on top of the rental fee because you’ve mentioned, weight can increase the cost.
My boyfriend recently got a new job and he has a lot more time to be around the house and help me with some of the projects I have. I have been thinking about remodeling the kitchen and the bathroom and for that, I will need a residential dumpster rental, so my boyfriend volunteered to look for a local service to provide us with that. Thank you for saying that the dumpsters that are 10 yards will have a swing door to let you walk in, while smaller ones do not.
Choosing the right size of the dumpster is very much necessary. In this article, I got the complete information about how to choose the right dumpster size that we need. All the points in this article are properly described by the writer. Thank you.
Thanks for your article. One other thing is the fact individual states have their own personal laws that will affect home owners, which makes it very, very hard for the the legislature to come up with a different set of rules concerning foreclosures on home owners. The problem is that a state has got own laws and regulations which may interact in an unwanted manner with regards to foreclosure guidelines.
It does make sense to rent out a dumpster that’ll make trash disposal easier for your home project. The idea of being able to eliminate clutter around your home before they multiply is indeed amazing. I’ll be sure to keep this in mind if I end up needing one someday.
Hello, thanks for the information
Very useful information thanks
Thank you for addressing this important aspect of waste management. Your blog post is sure to assist many individuals and businesses in making informed decisions about the right dumpster size for their needs.
This informative article succinctly outlines the factors to consider when determining the appropriate dumpster size for one’s needs. From evaluating the volume of waste to understanding project scope, the guidance provided is clear and practical. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to efficiently manage their waste disposal requirements. Thank you for sharing.