It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a large-scale renovation project, especially when the end goal is a pristine new facility. Before that goal can be reached, however, there is bound to be some mess. One of the keys to any successful renovation project is planning ahead for that mess, specifically thinking about frictionless options for waste removal.
Delaying waste removal planning can lead to clogged worksites and costly project interruptions, not to mention potential regulatory obstacles. Forward thinking helps prevent buildup and ensures a smooth project. Ideally, this advanced planning encompasses not just choosing the properly sized dumpster, but also foresight about the types of waste generated and the number of pickups required.
How Much Dumpster Space Will You Need?
First and foremost, it’s important to schedule a dumpster to be delivered on-site before the project begins. One of the key questions you’ll need to answer is how much dumpster space is required to keep up with the waste generated by your project.
Whether with online estimator tools or a locally based customer service expert, any good dumpster company should walk you through the process of right-sizing your dumpster, ensuring you have the volume you need without overspending on space.
The main piece of information for facilities managers to provide is a sense of project scope. For example, when demolishing an entire structure, it may be necessary to have multiple 30- and even 40-yard dumpsters. For smaller-scale or internal renovations, a 20-yard container may suffice.
Before arranging a dumpster delivery, be sure to take measurements of the square footage involved in your project, which can be a key data point for coordinating the correct dumpster size.
What Types of Waste Will You Generate?
Another important consideration for facilities managers planning a renovation: Not all waste is created equal. Depending on the nature of your project, you may end up with anything from demolition debris to old fixtures to yard waste. The materials you generate with your project may require special handling or different types of dumpsters.
One determinative factor is weight. For example, concrete is quite heavy, and any project involving large volumes of concrete waste will require heavy-duty dumpsters. Furthermore, when disposing of concrete, most waste removal providers will only provide 10-yard dumpsters due to the weight limits that their trucks can carry.
Additionally, different types of materials may require separate dumpsters, whether to streamline the recycling process or to ensure compliance with local waste removal ordinances. Because of this, it’s always best to research local regulations before beginning any renovation project, verifying any material-specific dumpster needs. Non-compliance with local waste disposal regulations can result in cumbersome fines and reputational damage, but such issues can be averted with some foresight.
How Many Pickups Do You Need?
To minimize disruptions (or cumbersome waste buildup) during your project, getting the right size and number of dumpsters is step one. Equally important is planning a reasonable pickup frequency, ensuring your dumpsters are emptied when needed to accommodate the requirements of your project.
This is another area where your dumpster company should provide some guidance, but it helps to have some basic project details solidified. One critical data point is your project timeline. You may wish to plan for additional pickups directly before or after the days when major demolition or waste generation are expected.
While it is wise to plan waste pickup around major demolition days, you don’t necessarily want to plan pickups during major activity. To prevent congestion and project disruptions, aim for your waste removal company to show up on low-activity days. Proactive scheduling and coordination can help keep your project running as smoothly as possible.
What Can’t You Put in the Dumpster?
Having the right kinds of dumpsters will provide a convenient way to dispose of most renovation waste, but it’s important to note that there are certain things that just can’t be discarded in this way. Waste restrictions may be in place for reasons pertaining to safety or environmental impact. Again, infractions can lead to financial penalties as well as a tarnished reputation.
To determine specific prohibitions, facilities managers should always consult local regulations. As a rule of thumb, hazardous chemicals, paints, appliances, tires, and old electronics cannot be put into dumpsters and will call for a special disposal method.
Along similar lines, it’s important to avoid overfilling dumpsters. An overfilled dumpster is harder to transport and may incur additional fees or penalties in some cases. This is another example of how careful planning and coordination can help to minimize potential complications to your renovation project.
Making Waste Removal a Key Consideration
At the outset of any renovation project, facilities managers are rightly excited about creating a new and improved space. To achieve that goal as seamlessly as possible, it’s essential to plan ahead for all contingencies—including regular waste accumulation. The right strategy, along with the best dumpster partner, helps guard against pileups of debris, allowing for a worksite that is clean, safe, and easily maneuverable.
Sean Foley has served as the redbox+ Dumpsters brand president since the beginning of 2024 but had worked with the company as director of operations and regional business coach for nearly two years before being appointed to the company’s top role. Prior to entering the world of franchising, Foley worked as an attorney where he built a career handling commercial and construction litigation, contracts, and financial law.