December 5, 2024

Dumpsters are used to clean up and dispose of large amounts of debris, including household trash, furniture, landscaping waste, construction debris, and more. But which dumpster size best fits your house clean-up project?

This depends on the scope of your project—how much stuff you’re getting rid of, what type of objects, and how long it will take.

What are the most common sizes of dumpster rentals available?

The size of each dumpster rental varies depending on the company. Popular options include:

1. 6-Yard Dumpster Rental

This is the ideal size for small-scale clean-ups like basement or garage remodeling, light landscaping projects, and decluttering. It can fit up to 2 pickup truck loads or 2,000 pounds of debris and can be easily maneuvered in tight areas, such as alleyways or driveways. It’s also light enough that it won’t cause any damage to your property when moved around.

2. 10-Yard Dumpster Rental

This size is great for larger clean-up projects such as yard work, remodeling multiple rooms in the home, or other heavy debris removals. It can hold up to 3 pickup truck loads, and its large capacity means it can accommodate several days’ worth of work.

3. 15-Yard Dumpster Rental

This type of dumpster (like this dumpster rental 15 yard in Philadelphia) is ideal for larger clean-up projects such as home and yard renovations, moving out of a large property, or major construction projects. It can easily manage up to 3 to 4 pickup truck loads of debris.

Its generous size makes it perfect for clearing out entire spaces like basements, garages, and attics in one go. It’s also ideal for contractors who need to collect waste from multiple job sites in one place. With its powerful hauling power and ample capacity, this is the perfect choice for any large-scale project.

4. 20-Yard Dumpster Rental

This size is the best option for most commercial and residential construction projects. It can easily accommodate up to 6 pickup truck loads. The average weight limit is 6,000 pounds of waste and is perfect for collecting dirt, concrete, brick, asphalt, and roofing materials. Its large capacity is great for larger clean-up jobs with multiple employees working on them at once. Its superior hauling power makes it a must-have for any major renovation or construction project. 

5. 30-Yard Dumpster Rental

This size is ideal for commercial projects, such as large-scale construction or demolition work. It can handle up to 12 pickup truckl oads of waste and has an impressive weight capacity of 10,000 pounds. Its sheer size means it’s more than capable of collecting multiple types of debris at once, making it an excellent option for getting any major job done quickly and efficiently.

6. 40-Yard Dumpster Rental

This dumpster size is the biggest and most powerful option for large-scale commercial projects. It can hold up to 16 pickup truck loads of waste and boasts a whopping 16,000-pound weight capacity. Its vast space is perfect for major construction jobs or land clearing where you’re dealing with multiple materials at once.

What can you put in a dumpster?

The following items are allowed in a dumpster:

  • Household items such as furniture and appliances
  • Demolition materials like drywall, lumber, shingles, tile, brick, and concrete
  • Yard waste, including branches, leaves, and soil
  • Construction debris from multiple job sites
  • Empty aerosol cans
  • Metal items such as pipes, grills, and appliances
  • Regular household garbage, such as food scraps and packaging

What’s the ideal size for house clean-up?

Here are some of the factors you should consider when choosing the right size dumpster to rent:

  • Scope of the project. What’s the project size you need to undertake? Use it as a guide in choosing the right dumpster. For example, a 10-yard dumpster is ideal for small projects such as yard work, decluttering, and light remodeling jobs. But if you’re planning on renovating multiple rooms or your entire home, you should opt for a larger size like the 15 or 20-yard dumpster.
  • Amount of debris. Think about how much debris you will be generating and use that to decide what size of dumpster to get. For instance, a 6-yard dumpster can accommodate up to 3,000 pounds, while a 15-yarder can handle 9,000 pounds of waste.
  • Type of debris. Consider the type of materials you will be throwing out since some items may not be allowed in certain dumpsters. For example, hazardous waste materials such as paint and chemicals should not be thrown in any dumpster. You should also avoid putting large items like mattresses, refrigerators, and televisions in smaller containers.

If you’re still unsure which size is best for your project, consider consulting local waste management professionals, such as American Disposal Systems, to help identify the right size and type of dumpster for your needs. They can even recommend additional services, including delivery and removal, to ensure your clean-up project goes smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Dumpster rentals are a great way to help simplify your house clean-up project, no matter the size. Consider the scope of your project and any local regulations that might affect it to select the right size for your needs easily. Remember, an oversized or undersized dumpster wastes time and money in the long run. If you’re unsure, contact a professional waste management company for more personalized advice.