Do you know how small or how big your dumpster rental should be? If you’re confused about dumpster sizes, this complete guide can help clarify things for you.
Residential or commercial projects equal a lot of trash. And trying to figure out what to do with that trash can be overwhelming. That’s why you need to rent a dumpster. A dumpster will make the process much faster and easier, but before you hand over your money, you have to make sure you understand the different dumpster sizes. We’ve put together this guide to help walk you through the process.
So let’s get started!
When to Rent a Dumpster
Sometimes the trash can isn’t enough. If you’re getting ready to undertake a large project, you might need to rent a dumpster instead. Trying to do the work without the dumpster can make the process much more stressful and much, much slower. But how do you know when you need a dumpster? We’ve put together a few examples.
You’re Planning a Renovation or Remodel
Part of the renovation or remodeling process is ripping out old floors, tearing down walls, or removing unneeded windows. You have to have a place to put all this debris. It’s always a good idea to have at least one dumpster on the scene of any remodel or renovation.
You Want to Declutter
Has your attic, garage, or shed turned into more of a storage unit? When you finally get around to clearing out all that junk, there’s a good chance it won’t all fit in your normal trash can.
If you don’t have a dumpster, you’ll have to keep the junk around for days or even weeks until you have more space in your bin. That means all your trash will have to go back into the garage or attic while you wait. A dumpster gets everything out of the house on the same day.
You’re Doing a Large Landscaping Project
Renting a dumpster might not be the first thing on your mind when you’re planning a landscaping project. But if you don’t get one, your whole project might come to a grinding halt.
For example, let’s say you have to remove a tree. You can’t toss an entire tree in your green waste container. Having a dumpster makes sure your landscaping goes according to plan the first try.
You’re Installing a New Roof
Again, before you can install a new roof, you have to find a way to get rid of the old one. If you don’t have a dumpster on hand, your roofing contractor might not even be able to start the installation process.
You’re Recovering from a Disaster
Sometimes disaster happens. If your house has been damaged by a flood or a fire, you may need a dumpster to help you through the recovery process. Why? You’ll have to remove soggy floors, furniture, and other belongings out of the house before the mold. It can also be unsafe to move into a home full of smoke-damaged items. A dumpster can get everything out of your house so you can work on repairing the damage.
Picking the Right Type of Dumpster
Before you rent a dumpster, you have to know what type of dumpster will work best for your project. And we aren’t just talking about size (although size does play a big part).
If you own a commercial building and plan to do some renovations, you’ll want to rent a commercial dumpster (or two). Commercial dumpsters are bigger and stronger than residential dumpsters.
However, if you’re simply decluttering your home, you may not need a large dumpster. In this case, you should look into residential dumpsters. There is some overlap when it comes to commercial and residential dumpsters. But knowing the difference can help you choose the dumpster that best fits your needs.
Understanding the Different Dumpster Sizes
There are a number of different dumpster sizes to choose from, but you want to make sure you get the right size. If you get something too small, you won’t be able to finish your project. If you get something too big, you’ll have spent money on space you aren’t using.
Here’s a quick guide to different dumpster sizes and how much they can hold.
Trash Cart
This isn’t actually a dumpster. But it is larger than a traditional trash can. A trash cart is 29 inches long, 34 inches wide, and 45 inches deep. This makes it a good choice if you need a bit of extra space in for trash. For example, a trash cart is helpful to have at residential parties, special events at the office, small job sites, etc.
Self-Dumping Hopper
Again, this isn’t actually a dumpster, but it is a step up from a trash cart. This self-dumping hopper has a capacity of up to 2 yards, and it’s a good fit for small residential projects.
10 Yard
This dumpster is 12 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4 feet deep. Is one of the smallest dumpster out there, but it’s the perfect size for small or medium remodeling projects or cleanups, such as:
- Garage decluttering
- Deck removal
- Bathroom (or other room) remodels
- You can also use this dumpster for small commercial projects
15 Yard
A 15-yard dumpster is a good fit for medium to large residential products. For example, you should have one of these dumpsters if you have to:
- Demolish a shed
- Remove a driveway
- Re-shingle a roof
- Do a large cleanup project
- This dumpster is 16 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4.5 feet deep
20 Yard
This size dumpster is 16-22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 4.5-6 feet deep at the largest. You can get a slightly smaller 20-yard dumpster if you need all that space. This dumpster is best for large residential projects.
30 Yard
You probably won’t need a 30-yard dumpster unless you’re doing a full home remodel or a commercial project. This dumpster is 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 6 feet deep.
40 Yard
A 40-yard dumpster is one of the biggest sizes out there. It’s 22 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet deep. You won’t need this for any residential projects, but it’s a good fit for medium to large commercial renovations and remodels.
A Beginner’s Guide to Dumpster Sizes
Dumpster sizes can make or break your project. If you don’t get the right size, your entire project could come crashing to a halt. This guide will help you find the best size for any project, both residential or commercial.
Do you still have a few questions about dumpster sizes? Make sure you click here to get in touch with us today!