Whether you need to rent a trash can once for a clean-out or you need to rent one monthly for garbage, it can be hard to estimate the dumpster size you need. The last thing you want to do is pay for a trash can rental, only to have it overflow with trash. Then you have to have it dumped and brought back again, which will increase your costs. Dumpsters come in various sizes, but as an outsider to the industry, a yard indication probably means nothing to you. So what is the best way to figure out what size trash can rental you need?
Measure Your Trash
It might sound ridiculous, but if you have a general idea of what you need to throw out, it is a good idea to measure it. For most, literally piling and measuring are probably not realistic. But if you take stock of what needs to go, you can estimate how much room you will need. Dumpsters typically come in 10-yard, 15-yard, and 20-yard. The yards refer to “cubic yards” that a container holds. The key is to estimate it as closely as possible so that you don’t have a big empty dumpster when you’re done or need to get another one to finish up. Although it is just a guide, these can help you to estimate your clean-up needs.
- 10-yard dumpsters handle small jobs like ditching appliances or yard clean-ups
- 15-yard dumpsters are great for things like floor removal disposal and small room renovations
- 20-yard dumpsters can probably handle all the storage that you have in your basement, garage, or attic
The Dimensions Matter
Not all trash is the same size, and sizing things up can be somewhat deceiving. For estimating purposes a kitchen stove averages about one cubic yard, so if you want to do the math, that means a 10-yard dumpster can hold about ten kitchen stoves. You also have to be mindful about things that are not allowed in a dumpster, like medical waste, liquid, food, or hazardous materials. It is important to know what rules apply to throwing out the trash before you rent a dumpster.
An Estimate Will Suffice
If you are renting for a one-time purge, then the reality is that even if you get a dumpster that is too big, you will probably not pay very much more. However, if you rent one that is too small and it has to be taken and dumped and returned, you will pay additional fees. So even though you don’t want to have a huge dumpster that isn’t full, it is always better to err on the side of more than you need instead of being left dumping twice.
Find a Company to Help
When it comes right down to it, you are renting a trash can; you aren’t in the trash can rental industry, but the company that you hire is. The best way to estimate which size is appropriate is to contact Trash Gurl and let us help you determine what size trash can rental you most likely need. No, we can’t tell you exactly and be 100% sure, but we sure can help to minimize the potential that you will be way off and pay much more. Contact our friendly staff today to get started!