What dumpster size is best for me?
Determining what it will take to carry all of your stuff away can be a very daunting and confusing process. Depending on the material being disposed, dumpsters are either priced by weight or by volume. In addition, restrictions can exist with large appliances, liquids, old tires and concrete just to name a few common debris items. If you take adequate time to plan the scope of your project, it will save you a headache in the long run. Renting the correct size and completing the process in the shortest time possible could save you hundreds of dollars.
In this post, we will try to give you a benchmark to gauge the size of your specific job and aid in the planning phase. The 10-yard container is our most often quoted size. To begin, let’s consider how big a cubic yard actually is: 3 feet tall x 3 feet wide x 3 feet deep (3x3x3/27=1). A good visual example would be a larger appliance such as an oven, washer or dryer. The dimensions of our 10-yard boxes are approximately 3 feet tall x 8 feet wide x 12 feet deep (3x8x12=10.6). Size is always the first thing to consider. In addition to determining the volume of your job, you also must take into account the category of debris you have and how much it weighs. Most people only think in terms of “trash or recycle.”
The two types of “trash” we will haul falls into one of two categories: construction & demolition debris (C&D) or mixed solid waste (MSW). C&D debris is generated from the construction of a new building or a remodeling project. It is also produced when an existing structure is being demolished. This type of waste is considered “clean” when it does not contain anything hazardous, or anything that would be considered “household waste” such as food, clothing, furniture and plastic bottles. C&D waste is considered to have a smaller impact on the environment than other types of waste; disposal facilities that accept C&D waste must carry a license that traditional landfills don’t have. MSW debris is garbage, refuse and other solid waste from residential, commercial, industrial and community activities. This would be the kind of debris that you would put in your home or office garbage can. MSW must be disposed of in a sanitary landfill or other facility that is properly permitted by the Ohio EPA. MSW is considered more of a threat to the environment so the waste facilities are more heavily regulated and the waste is more heavily taxed. MSW disposal is sold by weight.
Our trucks have a maximum capacity of 3 tons; regardless of the type of debris you have, both are restricted by this factor. MSW disposal allowances will vary depending on container size; Dumpabox includes up to one ton in your 10-yard container rental. To give you an idea of how much some typical bulk items might weigh, one square (100 sq. ft.) of shingles ranges from 150-250lbs. One cinder block weighs between 30-35lbs. One cubic foot (24”l x 12”w x 6”d) of concrete is about 150lbs. One cubic yard of dirt is about 2,000lbs. A 7′ couch on average is about 135lbs; an 8′ is about 170lbs. Sleeper sofas are in the neighborhood of 350lbs.
If you are more confused now than you were before you read this please give us a call. We have 6, 8, 10, 15 and 20 yard right-sized options and want to equip you with the best container for your specific job.
Dump-A-Box is the greenest and cleanest disposal hauling company in central Ohio. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and give us a call if you have questions.