If you’re taking on a commercial construction or home renovation project, don’t be surprised if things get messy. Construction generates an estimated one-third of the world’s overall waste. 

When creating waste during a project, renting a dumpster can be a great idea. A dumpster can allow you to easily dispose of project waste and will help streamline your workflow.

But what’s the best size dumpster and how do you choose one for your needs? Keep reading to see our dumpster size comparison and our top tips for choosing a dumpster to rent!

Dumpster Size Comparison

There are some standard sizes dumpsters are available in and the one you choose should vary based on the size of your project and the reason you have for renting a dumpster. Our sister company, MiniBins, offers a variety of dumpster sizes to suit your needs. They have many great options that would be suitable for either a residential or commercial project. 

Here are some of the main dumpster sizes you should consider for your project. 

8-Yard Dumpster

An 8-yard dumpster will fit approximately 3 truckloads of debris. A dumpster of this size is usually ideal for small multi-room cleanouts and small to moderate-sized commercial projects. 

12-Yard Dumpster

A 12-yard dumpster will fit approximately 4 truckloads of debris. A 12-yard dumpster is typically suitable for larger cleanouts and home renovation projects. It may also be a good choice for smaller construction projects. 

20-Yard Dumpster

A 20-yard dumpster will fit approximately 7 truckloads of debris. A dumpster of this size is likely to be too large for small cleanouts but will be ideal for medium-sized construction projects and extensive remodeling projects. 

30-Yard Dumpster

A 30-yard dumpster will fit approximately 10 truckloads of debris. This dumpster size is suitable for a major construction project or a very large home renovation project.

40-Yard Dumpster

A 40-yard dumpster will fit approximately 13 truckloads of debris. The 40-yard dumpster is the largest size available, and as such, is ideal for large-scale construction projects and other very large projects.

Tips for Choosing the Right Dumpster

There are several other things to keep in mind when choosing the right dumpster for the needs of your project. Here are some things to think about.

Consider the Dumpster Debris Type

The type of debris you’ll be dealing with should be taken into consideration when renting a dumpster. Regardless of the weight, larger debris will take up more space, so be sure you have a dumpster that can accommodate it. For smaller types of debris, a smaller dumpster may be more suitable. 

Plan the Dumpster Volume

Of course, also consider how much debris you’ll need to dispose of. No matter what the weight and size requirements of the debris are, it will add up if there is a large volume of that debris.

You’ll need to avoid overflow and select a dumpster that will work correctly for your needs. Be sure to consider this before choosing a dumpster for your residential or commercial project.

Know the Debris Weight

The weight of the debris you’re removing should also be taken into consideration when choosing a dumpster. Although the debris may fit into the dumpster just fine, it may be too heavy for the container. Dumpsters have various weight allowances, so you’ll want to pay attention to how many tons a dumpster can hold when choosing one to rent.

Check the Project Location Size

You should also consider how much space you have for the dumpster itself. Have an idea of where the dumpster will be delivered to on your property and be sure you order a dumpster that will fit the available space. If you have limited space available, you may need to order a smaller dumpster and empty it more often.

Consider the Emptying Frequency

Also, think about how often you’ll be emptying the dumpster as you fill it up. If you believe you’ll be emptying a lot of different loads, you may simply want to order a larger dumpster instead. Emptying a dumpster less regularly can save you a lot of time and effort, so be sure you keep this in mind.

Consider Environmental Disposal Needs

When renting a dumpster, also think about the environmental impact of any waste you’ll be disposing of. Certain types of waste and even some common household items can’t be disposed of in a dumpster but will require another solution instead. Be sure to know the local regulations regarding the disposal of electronic and chemical waste before renting a dumpster and understand what’s allowed in your area.

Check Local Regulations

In addition to environmental regulations, find out about other local regulations regarding the use of dumpsters as well. There could be restrictions for commercial or residential dumpster sizes or you may need to get a permit depending on your project and the dumpster you need.

Determine Your Budget

Consider your budget when renting a dumpster as well. As you may suspect, larger dumpsters will come with a higher rental cost, so you’ll want to weigh out the pros and cons of your options carefully. 

It’s a good idea to look for a dumpster that is just big enough for your needs. Make sure it’s not any larger than necessary if you want to save money. 

Finding the Right Dumpster for Your Project

If you need to rent a dumpster for your next project, make sure to consider this dumpster size comparison. Choosing the right dumpster size can help your project go smoothly and can do a great job of improving efficiency.

If you’re taking on a very small project, then an 8-yard or 12-yard dumpster may suffice. If you’re planning a medium or large construction project or a large home renovation, you may want to opt for a larger dumpster size instead.

Arkansas Portable Toilets provides the best inventory and service for all of your portable toilet and dumpster rental needs. We pride ourselves on leading our industry and have been raising the bar for portable toilet and dumpster services in Arkansas for more than 20 years.

Need help with your next project? Get a quote today to learn more about how we can help meet your needs.