The dreaming and planning and shopping are done. Maybe you’ve hired a contractor, maybe it’s DIY this time around. Either way, before you pull out the dust mask and hammer, there’s one final detail to tend to; choosing a trash dumpster service for your construction waste. Making a selection isn’t complicated, but taking the time to consider a few key factors can save time and money and help your project run smoothly.
What are your options for locating the dumpster?
When it comes to hauling debris out of your home, the closer to the source, the better. Carrying construction debris through the house is disruptive and messy. If your project is relatively small, or if you have limited space on your property, consider selecting a 4- or 6-yard trash dumpster which has a modest footprint and can be placed almost anywhere on your property. It may need to be emptied more frequently than a larger dumpster, but the convenience could outweigh the expense.
If your project is larger, and you have the room on your property, a 12-, 20-, 30- or even 40-yard size construction dumpster may be in order. These must be placed on a hard packed surface, so the driveway or front yard are ideal locations. Locating a dumpster in a public right of way is also possible, but typically requires a right-of-way permit from your local municipality.
How much construction waste volume do you expect to generate?
Trash and roll-off dumpster capacities are sized by the cubic yard (3’ x 3’ x 3’ or 27 cubic feet). Use the descriptions below to help you decide the size best suited to your needs:
- 12-cubic-yard roll-off: Perfect size for small bathroom remodels, furniture removal, yard waste clean-up. Holds approximately 4 pickup truck loads. *Dimensions: 4’8″ H x 8′ W x 16′ L
- 20-cubic-yard roll-off: Think flooring and carpet removal for a large house; furniture and a good garage spring cleaning. Equals approximately 7 pickup truck loads. *Dimensions: 5’8″ H x 8′ W x 20′ L
- 30-cubic-yard roll-off: Perfect for larger projects like roof replacement, basement cleanouts, kitchen remodels. Equals approximately 10 pickup truck loads. *Dimensions:6’8″ H x 8′ W x 23′ L
- 40-cubic-yard roll-off: For the largest projects such as home window or siding replacement, commercial roof tear off; new construction or major additions or significant cardboard boxes at warehouses. Holds approximately 13 pickup truck loads. *Dimensions: 8’8″ H x 8′ W x 23′ L
*Actual container measurements may vary. Use this information to determine area needed to place container.
What kind of construction waste material will you be generating?
Interior projects will typically generate drywall and lumber waste as well as flooring such as carpet, padding or hardwood. Although this material tends not to be heavy it does tend to be bulky, so make sure you’ve planned for the bulk when deciding on your trash dumpster or roll-off size.
We also offer trash containers for all types of exterior projects and new construction, including 12 yard roll-offs specifically designed for projects that generate large and heavy volumes of concrete, brick, rock, dirt or other earthen materials.
If you are participating in the city of Boulder’s Green Points program or Boulder County’s BuildSmart program as part of your construction project, Western Disposal has an expanded selection of service options to make it easier to divert recyclable construction materials from the landfill.
You can choose containers for single materials or mixed construction recyclables such as wood, cardboard and scrap metal. Containers are also available for mixed trash and construction recyclables which are sorted at our facility at 5880 Butte Mill Rd. in Boulder, and the weight reported is the total weight of the container. Both the City of Boulder and Boulder County will allow mixing of construction trash and recyclables for sorting at a registered facility. Western Disposal’s Trash and Recycle Center is a registered facility.
How long is your project expected to take?
Projects often take longer than anticipated. Many hauling companies quote low rates, but the rental period is limited to 2 weeks with a daily charge thereafter. Western’s rental rates are based on a full 30 days of service giving you the flexibility you may need to complete the project.
What about using a construction bag for waste?
Disposable bags, such as the Bagster®, are a much-hyped alternative to small dumpsters, and there are some applications where they may be appropriate. Keep in mind however, that they hold only three cubic yards of debris and that without rigid sides, can be very difficult to load efficiently, costing more in the long run. In addition, the bag goes to the landfill with the rest of the waste, so the environmental footprint is higher than a conventional trash dumpster.
Need help deciding? Western representatives are experienced professionals ready to guide you through the process. Call us today at 303-444-2037.
