Whether you’re starting on a massive remodel, doing some spring cleaning, or decluttering your shed or basement, a roll-off dumpster will make your life much easier.

Many homeowners embarking on their first major remodeling project wonder, "How does a roll-off dumpster work?" or, "How big is a roll-off dumpster, and will it work for my project?" The process of renting a roll-off dumpster is straightforward and painless, and it can also save you hundreds or thousands throughout your project.

What Is a Roll-Off Dumpster?

A roll-off dumpster is a large steel container that houses garbage or construction debris. These dumpsters get their name from how they are rolled on and off a truck for delivery or pickup.

So, how does a roll-off dumpster work? Roll-offs have metal wheels on one side that allow the dumpster to slide off the truck and onto the job site. Most roll-offs have a large door on one end to allow easy access into the dumpster when throwing out large and bulky items.

Reasons to Rent a Roll-Off

There are tons of different projects that warrant renting a roll-off dumpster. In most cases, renting a roll-off will save you money, and perhaps more importantly, it can save you time and frustration.

Many homeowners underestimate the size and scope of their project, only to spend hours of their free time making multiple costly trips into town dump to offload debris or garbage. Meanwhile, by renting a roll-off dumpster, all it takes is one phone call after your project is finished, where the dumpster and all your garbage are carted away.

Here are some of the most popular projects that can benefit from having a roll-off dumpster on site:

Home, shed, or attic cleanouts

Roof replacement
Home remodels
Yard cleanup
Window replacement
Siding replacement

If you are thinking about renting a roll-off dumpster for your next construction projects, here are some tips for you to follow.

Roll-Off Dumpster Sizes

So, how big is a roll-off dumpster? These containers come in several sizes to meet the needs of different projects when renting a roll-off dumpster.

Here are some of the sizes that roll-off dumpsters can come in:

10-Yard - 10 cubic yards of waste
12-Yard - 12 cubic yards of waste
15-Yard - 15 cubic yards of waste
20-Yard - 20 cubic yards of waste
30-Yard - 30 cubic yards of waste
40-Yard - 40 cubic yards of waste

Most roll-offs have a weight limit of between 4,000-6,000 pounds, with the 30 and 40-yard sizes having a weight limit of 7,000-10,000 pounds. A 10-20 yard dumpster is usually sufficient for most home remodeling tasks, while larger dumpsters are the best fit for whole home remodels and other major projects.

Renting a 10-12 yard dumpster is a smart choice for projects like cleaning a small basement or storage shed or remodeling a small kitchen or bathroom. Whereas, a 15-20 yard roll-off is a better choice for large cleanouts, flooring remodels and single-layer roof replacements up to 3,000 square feet. However, the two largest roll-off sizes are typically reserved for new home construction and large demolition projects.

If you're unsure what size dumpster your project calls for, you're better off getting the larger box. This way, you won't have to worry about overfilling the dumpster or requiring a second roll-off.

What Can I Put in a Roll-Off Dumpster

So, what can I put in a roll-off dumpster? When renting a roll-off dumpster for your home project, you can throw out most construction debris or household junk in a roll-off dumpster. But you'll want to be sure that what you're throwing out can go in the dumpster to avoid service interruptions or added costs.

These are some acceptable items that can go into a roll-off dumpster:

Junk: Old clothing, toys, pots, pans, kitchen accessories, and knick-knacks.
Furniture: Most wooden furniture, including tables, chairs, and non-upholstered items.
Construction debris: Drywall, molding, countertops, old bathroom, and kitchen fixtures, doors, and flooring.
Untreated lumber: Dimensional lumber, studs, and doors.
Roofing debris: Shingles, tar paper, plywood, and underlayment.
Storm debris: Damaged building materials and yard waste.

Yard debris: Grass, dirt, tree stumps, and branches.

What Can You Not Put in a Roll-Off Dumpster

There are many things you can put in a roll-off dumpster, but what can you not put in a roll-off dumpster? A roll-off dumpster allows you to throw out most home improvement or home cleanout garbage. However, when renting a roll-off dumpster, there are several items that you cannot throw in a roll-off dumpster, such as:

Refrigerators
Fuel tanks
Hot water tanks
Medical waste
Paint
Adhesive
Aerosol cans
Ink and liquid resins
Treated lumber, i.e., railroad ties
Asbestos or contaminated construction materials
Industrial drums
Household cleaning products

Items That Require Clarification

Waste handling regulations vary throughout the country. When renting a roll-off dumpster, there are many items that you can load into a roll-off dumpster, depending on where you're located and what local laws are in place regarding waste disposal where you live.

There's a strong chance you can throw the items below out in a roll-off dumpster, but you'll want to speak with your chosen waste-handling professionals to confirm.

These are some items you should confirm are safe to dispose of in a roll-off dumpster:

Household appliances: Most appliances, except refrigerators, can be thrown out in a roll-off.
Upholstered furniture: All furniture can be thrown out in a roll-off across much of the country, but some areas have regulations regarding the disposal of upholstered furniture.
Electronics: Some areas mandate e-waste recycling, restricting you from throwing out consumer electronics in a roll-off dumpster.
Mattresses and box springs: Most municipalities require a per-item fee to throw out mattresses or box springs, and throwing them out in a roll-off dumpster is restricted.
Event waste: If you're cleaning up after an event at your home, you'll want to consult with your roll-off company, as many areas restrict you from throwing out food waste in a roll-off.

If you are unsure which items you should avoid discarding in your rented roll-off dumpster, check out this guide.

Do I Need a Permit for a Roll-Off Dumpster?

You might be wondering, "Do I need a permit for a roll-off dumpster?" When renting a roll-off dumpster, you can usually order a roll-off dumpster and complete your project without alerting your municipality or requesting a dumpster permit. However, there are a few exceptions where you are required to have a permit.

If you're placing the dumpster on a public street or if its presence will affect a public sidewalk, you will need to apply for a dumpster permit and ensure that the work is completed in a timely manner. The dumpster is then pulled from the premises according to the terms of your permit. However, you don't need a permit if you place the dumpster on your property, such as in your driveway or lawn.

Rent a Roll-Off Dumpster Today

Renting a roll-off dumpster is the ideal way to reduce project costs while eliminating frustrating trips to your local dump. At WIN Waste Innovations, we serve the greater Columbus area and provide a broad range of sanitation and waste management services. Our experienced team is standing by to assist you with your waste management needs.

Contact us today if you need to rent a roll-off dumpster for your next big project. We will be able to move it on your property safely and help you if you need any assistance obtaining a permit for the rental.

Everything You Need to Know About Renting a Roll-Off Dumpster