When disaster strikes—whether from fire, flood, or another catastrophic event— homeowners naturally want their property to be put back to normal as promptly as possible. Restoration professionals can do heroic work here, returning damaged assets and structures to their former luster. Before things look good-as-new, however, they tend to get a little messy, with plenty of debris that must be discarded and disposed of.
For home restoration professionals, efficient waste management is essential for any successful project. Staying one step ahead of debris accumulation allows restorers to maneuver around their job site and make expedient progress on behalf of the homeowners they serve. Waste management also affects the sustainability and even the legal compliance involved with a particular project. But what does an effective waste management strategy look like for home restoration professionals?
The Right Dumpster for the Job
One of the first things any restorer will want to do is reserve a roll-off dumpster. Doing so will provide a convenient way to handle waste that builds up over the course of their project and ensure there is an easy way to transport that waste off-site when the time comes.
Not all dumpsters are created equal, so choosing the right one depends on several factors, with size being the most obvious. Restoration professionals need a dumpster that aligns with their project’s scope—big enough to handle debris but not so large that it becomes unnecessary overhead.
The size of the dumpster should correspond with the scale of the project. Sizing may vary from one company to the next, but standard options typically include:
- Small-size dumpsters (10-15 yards): A dumpster this small is usually best for household decluttering but may be sufficient for the smallest-scale restoration projects.
- Medium-size dumpsters (20-30 yards): A dumpster in this range will work well for most restoration projects, as well as remodeling jobs, roof replacements and more.
- Large-size dumpsters (40 yards): For really massive jobs that generate large volumes of waste, this supersized dumpster may make the most sense.
While size is one determinative factor, it’s not the only consideration when choosing a roll-off dumpster. The weight of the waste accumulated—not just its volume—can determine dumpster needs. For example, if the project involves discarding a great deal of concrete, this can exceed the weight limit of a standard dumpster. This may make it harder for the dumpster company to transport the waste and may even generate some additional charges. To avoid this, choose a heavy-duty dumpster designed for high-weight loads.
It should also be noted that dumpsters of the same capacity may have a different footprint based on the height of the sidewalls. Dumpsters with higher sidewalls can fit in a smaller space but may be harder to load from the ground. If you are stripping off a roof, tall sidewalls may be a benefit. If, however, you are loading from the ground, higher sidewalls may make it difficult to load the dumpster without opening the gate on the dumpster.
One final tip for choosing a dumpster: If the goal is to recycle, it may be necessary to have different dumpsters to accommodate different materials, keeping them separate before they are transported off-site. For example, in a restoration project involving large amounts of glass, it may be wise to have a smaller, separate container for glass recycling, distinct from general garbage and waste.
Handling Waste Effectively: Tips and Best Practices
Selecting the right dumpster is an important step in any restoration project, yet it’s hardly the only thing to consider with respect to efficient waste management.
There are recommended ways to handle different materials before throwing them into the dumpster, maximizing space while also ensuring compliance with relevant laws or guidelines. For example:
- When disposing of wood, it’s recommended to remove nails whenever possible.
- For drywall, breaking large chunks into smaller sections is always best.
- For concrete, like drywall, breaking into smaller pieces is better to help utilize the space available in the dumpster.
Something else to keep in mind is that certain types of materials cannot be thrown into a dumpster at all—many municipalities have regulations against dumping hazardous materials. Some common examples of materials requiring special disposal include asbestos, solvents, old hot water tanks and certain types of paints. Additionally, most dumpster companies do not allow or will charge an extra fee for items such as mattresses, furniture, tires or car batteries that are placed in a dumpster. Read your dumpster provider’s terms and conditions carefully so you know what you can and can’t place in their dumpster.
One more consideration: For projects that last more than a day or two, restoration companies may wish to schedule regular pickup services, ensuring their dumpster has plenty of room to accommodate each day’s work. Ideally, it’s best to plan pickups for the day immediately before or after major demolition work; planning pickups for the day-of may mean a congested worksite and diminished productivity.
Planning Ahead For Waste Management
More than anything, property restoration professionals should anticipate waste generation from any big project—and plan ahead for how to deal with that waste. Reserving right-sized dumpsters and coordinating pickups before the project even begins can ensure a streamlined and efficient job, allowing restorers to focus on their handiwork without having to worry too much about waste piling up.
Sean Foley
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.
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