How NOT To Fill A Roll-Off Dumpster
Believe it or not, there are plenty of tips on how not to fill a roll-off dumpster. It may seem that putting trash and debris into a roll-off dumpster is simple, right? How hard can it be to fit trash into a giant 15 yard, 30-yard, or 40-yard container? Filling a roll-off dumpster the correct way can is essential when it comes to getting the most out of your rental (Check out the article “How to fill a roll-off dumpster” for the correct way to pack a container!). If filled incorrectly or inefficiently, you may run out of space faster than you thought.
Following the tips below on how not to fill a roll-off dumpster may save you time, energy, money, and the frustration of having to order additional containers. Whether you are moving into a new home, doing a home remodel, or working on a construction project, it is always important to have a strategy when it comes to packing your roll-off.
5 Tips On How Not To Fill A Roll-Off Dumpster:
Do not fill a roll-off dumpster with boxes that are not broken down
Stacking a container with fully intact boxes is a great example of how not fill a roll-off dumpster. Although the roll-off dumpster may look big, looks can be deceiving. Large boxes can take up a lot of space very quickly. Additionally, boxes that are not broken down are filled with nothing but air. By breaking down boxes before they are tossed in the roll-off dumpster, you will gain valuable space and have the ability to put even more waste and debris in the container.
Volume Space Per Roll-Off Dumpster
| Roll Off Dumpster Total Volume Capacity |
|---|
| 15 Cubic Yards |
| Average Moving Box Sizes |
| ~ 380 Small-sized (1.5 cu ft) intact moving boxes |
| ~ 135 Medium-sized (3.0 cu ft) intact moving boxes |
| ~ 90 Large-sized (4.5 cu ft) intact moving boxes |
| Roll Off Dumpster Total Volume Capacity |
|---|
| 30 Cubic Yards |
| Average Moving Box Sizes |
| ~ 550 Small-sized (1.5 cu ft) intact moving boxes |
| ~ 265 Medium-sized (3.0 cu ft) intact moving boxes |
| ~ 175 Large-sized (4.5 cu ft) intact moving boxes |
| Roll Off Dumpster Total Volume Capacity |
|---|
| 40 Cubic Yards |
| Average Moving Box Sizes |
| ~ 1050 Small-sized (1.5 cu ft) intact moving boxes |
| ~ 350 Medium-sized (3.0 cu ft) intact moving boxes |
| ~ 200 Large-sized (4.5 cu ft) intact moving boxes |
Looking at the calculations above, it may seem like you have plenty of room in a roll-off dumpster for plenty of boxes. However, anyone who has moved knows that the process involves a lot of waste and debris that are not boxes. Sometimes old appliances, furniture, and other large items need to go as well. It is important to plan ahead for these before filling a roll-off dumpster with boxes!
Another option for many people is to giveaway moving boxes to people in their community. A quick search on Facebook groups using the words “free moving boxes + your location” will often turn up with many people who are in need of moving boxes. Rather than letting the boxes rot in the dump, try an find ways to recycle them!
Do not wait to put the big items in last
Another tip on how not to fill a roll-off dumpster is saving big items for last. Large items such as sofas, couches, mattresses, old appliances, and more, will take up a lot of space in the container. It is important to get these in first so that smaller items can be packed around them. It is much easier to break down items such as boxes, drywall, and foam pieces than it is to break down a couch.
Pro tip: Order a roll-off dumpster after you know which large items will be going to the dump. Try to have them out of the house and in the garage before the dumpster arrives to make putting them in the container quick and easy.
Do not wait to put flattened items into the dumpster
How not to fill a roll-off dumpster tip #3: Saving flattened items for last. If possible, out flattened items such as boxes, into the roll-off dumpster before anything else, including large items. Flattened items do not take up a lot of space and can be compressed by larger items such as furniture and appliances. Additionally, putting flattened items into the container first will ensure that they do not fly away once the roll-off is picked up. Light items placed on top of debris may fly away during the drive from your home to the dump. Save the roll-off truck driver stress and worry by placing as many flat items in the container first!
Do not put items that cannot be compressed in first
Filling a roll-off dumpster with items that cannot be compressed is a great example of how not to fill a roll-off dumpster. Items that cannot be easily compressed include packing foam, metal rods, bankers boxes, and more. These items are not easily crushed and therefore might end up taking more space in the roll-off that could have been used for other debris or waste. Save these items for last when filling a roll-off.
Pro tip: The ultimate goal of packing a roll-off dumpster is to have as little air between things as possible. Any air between items represents valuable space. Packing items tightly ensures minimal waste of space in the roll-off dumpster
Do not have items over the maximum fill line
Finally, be sure that all items are below the maximum fill line of the dumpster. This fill line is there to ensure that items will not be falling out of the dumpster when it is on the road. If follow all of the tips above, this should not be hard to do. If there are items above the fill line, the dumpster may not be able to be picked up. This will likely cause a trip charge or other fees.
Pro tip: If there are items sticking out a simple fix may be to walk on top of the debris to “squish” it down. A little extra weight can be a great way to ensure all extra air is pushed out of the debris. Be sure to use caution when doing this!
About Affordable Roll-Offs
Renting a Roll-Off Dumpster should be easy and affordable! That’s why we provide low-cost dumpster rentals in Denver and Free Next-Day Delivery! Our rental pricing is transparent and easy to understand. That means NO Hidden Fees! You know exactly what you’re paying for when you rent from us!
