Starting on a major DIY home renovation project is thrilling, until you demolish the first wall and stand knee-deep in a pile of busted up drywall and timbers. That gigantic debris pile mocks you, because how on earth will you haul it away without a fleet of trucks?
Renting a dumpster is a game changer when it comes to managing waste from renovations. No longer will you need to schlep hundreds of trips to the local dump. Dumpsters let you conveniently contain mountains of debris in one place for easy removal.
But not just any dumpster will do. Choosing the right size and style requires some strategy to avoid headaches. Read on for insider tips to make your dumpster rental smooth sailing.
Choose Your Dumpster Type Wisely
Roll-off dumpsters are the MVP all-stars of demolition jobs. These beasts give you 10-40+ cubic yards of cavernous capacity for debris of all kinds. Roll-offs are basically giant metal bins placed in your driveway that get hauled away for dumping when filled.
Their rectangular box shape and ground-level loading access make roll-offs perfect for home renovations. Heaping in drywall scraps, flooring, tiles or wood is no sweat.
Once packed to the brim, the dumpster gets hooked on to a special flatbed truck and driven away. Then the empty bin gets returned for your next round of loading. No manual lifting required!
For smaller-scale projects generating 2-8 yards of refuse, a rear load dumpster could work. These are the classic dumpsters parked behind restaurants and businesses. You pitch debris in over your head into the open top.
Rear loaders provide budget-friendly waste removal since standard garbage trucks can empty them. But repeatedly overhead tossing heavy debris without side access can be rough. Ultimately roll-offs offer far more DIY renovation convenience.
Size Matters - Get It Just Right
The ideal dumpster size for your Reno project depends on the scope of work and quantity of waste produced. Here’s a general guide on capacities:
- Small bath remodel = 10-15 yard dumpster
- Kitchen overhaul = 15-20 yards
- Whole master suite = 20-30 yards
- New roofing or siding = 20-30 yards
- Whole main floor overhaul = 30+ yards
- Full house gut job = 30-40+ yards
It always feels better to plan on extra buffer capacity in your dumpster instead of cutting it close. Few things are worse than a debris-overloaded dumpster that can’t haul away and requires another delivery/pick up cycle. That’s just a waste of rental days.
If you underestimate, prepare to order a larger replacement dumpster. But if you overestimate size, the rental company may let you downgrade to save on daily fees.
When in doubt, size up your dumpster. You want that debris disappearing in one swoop.
Research Rental Companies Thoroughly
The best dumpster rental has as much to do with the company as the dumpster itself. You need a responsive, flexible provider who doesn’t flake out. Check for responsiveness in answering calls and emails about your project specifics.
Inquire about how precisely they can drop off the dumpster where needed. Having it conveniently located by the demolition zone instead of down the driveway out of sight is crucial.
Some municipalities require special permits for Dumpster placement. Choose a provider who handles permitting for you. Nothing slows down a Reno faster than citations for parking a dumpster without authorization.
Pay attention to companies willing to work with you and your space constraints. You want can-do partners invested in your project’s success from delivery to debris removal.
Stack Your Dumpster Like a Pro
Maybe you’re envisioning just backing up a truck and dumping everything inside. But for maximum efficiency, proper loading technique matters:
- Distribute weight evenly so one side or corner doesn’t get too heavy and tip. Alternate sides when tossing in debris.
- Break or flatten bulky items like cabinets and drywall to conserve space.
- Stack heavier demolition rubbish like wood, concrete and tiles on the bottom since it packs down less. Lightweight insulation and fabrics go more towards the top.
- Never have debris sticking over the top ridge of the dumpster sides. This risks debris flying out when transported.
- Stop loading before reaching the very top lip of the dumpster. Overfilling leads to stuck debris you pay daily rental fees to have removed.
Avoid Dumpster Overfill Headaches
It can be hard to gauge how full a dumpster looks from ground level. Here are clues your load is nearing maximum:
- You see debris slowly mounting to the very top edge of the dumpster. Full loads often overflow in transit.
- Tossing new debris starts causing existing items inside to shift and compact down. Things should fall loosely if space remains.
- You need to really lob debris with force just to wedge new items in. If it feels jam packed, it probably is.
- Light items like insulation start blowing out while loading other debris. Density is too tight.
Remember - you pay daily rental rates until all debris gets hauled away. An overfull dumpster that can’t transport means an extra rental day or two you weren’t budgeting for.
The only solution for overfill issues is ordering a larger replacement dumpster to transfer excess debris into. Just one more reason to estimate your size generously from the start!
Consider Extending instead of Rescheduling
Say you’ve filled your dumpster to the limit but suddenly realize more debris remains. Before concluding you must order a second dumpster, see if the company will simply extend your rental period for a reasonable daily rate.
Adding days is far less hassle than re-delivery and coordinating a totally separate dumpster rental. Decluttering your place during the renovation inevitably leads to excess junk too. Build in some buffer days upfront to account for unexpected extra waste.
Just confirm your project timeline can still accommodate a rental extension. You don’t want to pay daily fees for an unused dumpster awaiting more debris either. The rental period sweet spot lies in minimizing trips without overextending.
Keep Things Safe and Tidy
While dumpsters are built to handle debris wear and tear, you shouldn’t abuse them. Follow common sense practices to avoid headaches:
- Never place hazardous chemicals, gasoline, oils or solvents into dumpsters. Safety first.
- Don’t toss in different construction materials all willy nilly. Aggregating wood, drywall, etc. allows easier processing when dumped.
- Make sure loads sit below the top so that rainfall can’t pool. Stagnant water breeds nasty mildew and muck.
- Secure any tarps fully over the dumpster and don’t let them fly loose. The last thing you need is a flapping blue tarp shingle escaping on the highway!
Follow these tips and your dumpster will give you peace of mind that debris is under control. Now focus on the fun demo and building your dream renovation!
