So you’re ready to start that big home improvement project you’ve been thinking about for a while now. Soon you’ll be getting that kitchen remodel or clearing out that basement or attic that’s had too much stuff for too long. You’re setting a date to start and getting the necessary help you need to get the job done right. Sounds like you’re well on your way, but there might be one thing you’re still unsure about.

When it comes to renting that dumpster that’s going to take away all the stuff you don’t want, exactly what size will you need? You don’t want to risk overfilling a smaller dumpster, but you don’t want to get a larger one if you’re not sure you’ll have enough to fill it. Trying to guess the specific size dumpster you need can seem like a shot in the dark at times. But never fear, there are ways to get a better estimate of what size dumpster is best for your project.

Type of project

Sometimes you can get a sense for the size that you’ll need simply by the type of project you’re working on. If you have yard waste that can be compressed easily, you can most likely get by with a smaller dumpster. Clearing junk out of buildings usually works well with mid-sized ones, and construction and demolition use the massive storage capacities of the largest dumpsters. This isn’t an ironclad rule, but can be a bit helpful in narrowing down your options.

After a few major projects requiring dumpster rentals, people start to develop an inherent feeling for the approximate sizes they need. People working in construction or landscaping tend to use the same size dumpsters as they work the best for their projects. Based on their sizes, from 10-yard to 40-yard dumpsters, here are some of the work assignments these various dumpsters can be most helpful with.

10-yard dumpster

More compact and able to fit in more locations than other dumpsters, the 10-yard dumpster is just the right size for those smaller projects. If you’re cleaning out a small apartment, for instance, or if you’re removing some tiles or shingles from the roof, a 10-yard dumpster may be just the thing. If you can flatten your discarded materials easily, or if the material has already been compressed or demolished, the 10-yard could be the way to go if you don’t need tons of room. Plus smaller dumpsters aren’t as tall, making them easier to toss things in.

20-yard dumpster

Climbing up in the size department, the 20-yard dumpster is the main choice for larger basements and attics that have been collecting items for more than 15 or 20 years. People removing large section of carpets have found the 20-yard dumpster just right for the purpose. Waste materials from smaller home remodels, fencing or decks that have been dismantled, a 20-yard dumpster rental will give you the length you need for easy disposal of these items.

30-yard dumpster

Getting into the larger dumpsters for rent, the 30-yards can usually be seen in front of middle to large sized homes that are receiving a major renovation, putting an addition, or even tearing down an old garage. Major work to your home including siding removal and roofing jobs requiring tear down to the studs will do well with the 30-yard dumpster.

40-yard dumpster

The heavy hitters of the rental dumpster world, the 40-yard dumpster can be found wherever buildings are either about to be constructed or demolished completely. Businesses tend to rent 40-yard dumpsters for large collections of paper and cardboard received through shipping and receiving.

Of course, if you’re still on the fence about the best size to choose, you could do worse than to contact us at Waste Solutions 123 and explain your plans for your next project. After years of handling the material removal needs of projects of all sizes, we have a good inclination for what our customers are looking for. Also, by describing your project and what you’re planning to throw away, along with an size estimate, our sales reps can warn you about any restrictions and offer tips to make your next dumpster rental a better experience.