You probably know the old saying: You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. In much the same way, facility managers know that there’s simply no way to build a beautiful structure—or complete a major remodeling project—without making a mess.
From excavated concrete to demolition debris, there are all kinds of waste that accumulate over the course of a construction project—and the more waste that piles up, the more challenging it is for crews to navigate the jobsite and get their work done safely and efficiently.
That’s what makes waste management a foremost concern, and something to consider as you plan for any large-scale project. In fact, one of the most critical responsibilities of the facility manager is to reserve a roll-off dumpster—ensuring it will be on-site when the project begins—and coordinate regular waste pickup services.
Not all dumpsters are created equal, so before selecting one, consider a few key factors.
Getting the Sizing Right
The most obvious differentiator between commercial dumpster products is size. Most commercial dumpster providers boast a few standard size options, with each one suited for certain kinds of projects. Typical sizes include:
- 10-yard dumpsters. This smallest dumpster size can be ideal for more minor home projects like decluttering the garage and hauling off unwanted furniture, but seldom offers the capacity needed for more major renovations or construction jobs.
- 20-yard dumpsters. By jumping to the next size up, you’ll have the space you need to haul off debris from more significant renovations, including bathroom or kitchen jobs. Often, a 20-yard dumpster works well for disposing of old tile, drywall, or cabinetry.
- 30-yard dumpsters. A 30-yard dumpster can be just right for larger home renovations as well as small commercial construction jobs. It’s also a standard size for roofing projects, offering space sufficient for detached shingles.
- 40-yard dumpsters. This is the biggest dumpster you’re likely to find and is recommended for commercial renovations as well as large-scale construction projects. Any demolition involving copious amounts of metal or concrete debris is likely to require this large-sized unit.
Not Just Volume, But Weight
When considering different dumpster sizes, it’s tempting to focus entirely on the anticipated volume of waste. However, facility managers must also incorporate other factors into their decision-making process, including the anticipated weight generated.
This matters because most dumpsters will have a maximum weight limit and cannot be filled beyond it; placing too much weight into a dumpster may mean extra fees and charges when the dumpster company arrives to haul off the unit.
What this means in practice is that when disposing of numerous heavier materials, such as concrete, it’s possible to reach the maximum weight capacity long before crews actually fill the volume of the dumpster.
Be aware that some dumpster rental services may offer heavy-duty options, accommodating weightier loads of waste and debris. If the scope of a project involves significant concrete demolition, it may be worth asking about these heavy-duty dumpsters in advance.
Maintaining Regulatory Compliance
Another question for construction managers to consider: Where does all the waste and debris go once it’s carted away from the jobsite? If managers plan to recycle or are concerned with sustainability, that affects a dumpster decision. In many cities, municipal guidelines will dictate that different types of recyclable materials are disposed of separately, which necessitates multiple dumpsters.
Having multiple smaller dumpsters can not only streamline the recycling process, but also potentially help you avoid municipal code infractions. Note that non-compliance issues can result in legal fees, to say nothing of reputational damage, which makes it a crucial consideration in the dumpster selection process.
Along the same lines, when planning for a remodeling or construction project, remember there are certain types of materials that actually can’t be disposed of via dumpster—at least not without significant regulatory risk. It’s always best to consult local municipal guidelines but, as a rule of thumb, hazardous chemicals and old electronic devices require a special disposal method. This may be true of certain types of paints, too.
Planning for Pickups
To ensure a smooth construction or remodeling project, reserving the right dumpsters is an important step—yet it’s equally important to coordinate the right number of pickups. Even large-sized dumpsters can fill up with surprising speed, especially during the demolition stage of a project.
Dumpster rental companies can provide insight into typical or recommended pickup schedules. One thing to keep in mind: Facility managers may not want to schedule pickups for the busiest days, especially if there are a high number of vehicles on-site. To minimize traffic jams and facilitate an efficient jobsite, coordinate pickups for the days immediately before or right after the biggest workdays.
The bottom line: With any big renovation or construction job, facility managers must plan for every detail—and that includes waste removal. Renting the right dumpster, and then coordinating an appropriate pickup schedule, helps keep the job running smoothly and ensures a beautiful finished product.
