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What size dumpster do I need for a home cleanout?

Waste Away · · 5 min read

Editorial photograph accompanying this article.

For most home cleanouts, a 15 to 20 yard roll off dumpster is the right fit. That size handles a single room, a garage, or a full basement clear out without going overboard. For a whole house or a big renovation, size up. Waste Away helps you pick the right one across Southern Maine.

For most home cleanouts, a 15 to 20 yard roll off dumpster is the right fit. That size handles a single room, a garage, or a full basement without going overboard. For a whole house or a big renovation, you should size up. Waste Away helps you pick the right one across Southern Maine. Learn more about Hauling & Material Delivery . What size dumpster do I need for a home cleanout? Match the dumpster to the job, not the other way around. A small cleanout needs less room than a full house clear out. Related: Do you offer eco friendly disposal? . Here is a quick way to think about it for a typical home job: Related: Where do you dispose of waste? . 10 yard. This size is good for one room, a small basement, or a closet. 15 to 20 yard. This size is the sweet spot for a garage, a large basement, or a two to three room cleanout. Larger roll off. This size is best for a whole house, an estate cleanout, or a cleanout paired with a renovation. When in doubt, size up one step. A dumpster that is slightly too big beats one that fills before you finish. Related: Are you licensed and insured? . How big is a 16 yard dumpster? A 16 yard dumpster offers a generous amount of space for a mid size cleanout. It can handle the kind of load you might otherwise haul in several pickup truck trips. Related: Do you do dumpster swap outs for roofing jobs? . It gives you plenty of floor space without taking over your whole driveway. For many Portland and Saco homeowners, this mid size option covers a full cleanout in one trip. If you want to see our full lineup, our dumpster rental options lay out each size and what it fits. What can I throw in a home cleanout dumpster? Most everyday household junk is fair game. That includes old furniture, boxes, clothing, carpet, small fixtures, and general clutter. A few items need special handling and cannot go in a standard roll off: Hazardous waste. This group includes paint, chemicals, oil, and batteries. Appliances with refrigerant. Fridges and freezers often need a separate pickup. Tires and certain electronics. These items may need to be handled separately, so it is worth checking before you toss them. Are you unsure about an item? Just ask us before you toss it. We will tell you the right way to handle it. Do I need a bigger dumpster for a renovation cleanout? Yes, you do. A renovation adds heavy debris on top of your normal junk, so you usually need more room. Drywall, flooring, cabinets, and tile fill a dumpster fast. If your cleanout is tied to a remodel in Scarborough or Saco, a larger roll off saves you a second rental. We also offer full service junk removal and clean outs if you would rather we do the heavy lifting for you. Proof Cleanout and demolition projects can generate a surprising amount of debris, often more than people expect when they start. That is why picking the right dumpster size matters so much. The correct roll off helps keep your cleanout on track and keeps that debris headed to the right place. How soon can I get a dumpster delivered in Southern Maine? In most cases, we can get a roll off to your driveway quickly across our service area. That area covers Portland, Saco, Scarborough, and the rest of Southern Maine. Give us the details of your cleanout and your location. We handle delivery, placement, and pickup so you can focus on the sorting.

Ready to talk?

[Email Waste Away](mailto:wasteaway207@gmail.com)

Ready to talk?

[Email Waste Away](mailto:wasteaway207@gmail.com)

Questions we get

What size dumpster is best for a single room cleanout?
A 10 yard dumpster usually handles a single room or a closet purge. If you are clearing two or more rooms, step up to a 15 or 20 yard roll off.
How big is a 16 yard dumpster compared to a pickup truck?
A 16 yard dumpster holds about six to eight full pickup truck loads of junk. It is a popular mid-size choice for home cleanouts in Portland and Saco.
Can you help with junk removal during a home renovation?
Yes. Waste Away offers full service junk removal and clean outs during renovations across Southern Maine. We can also drop a larger dumpster for heavy debris.
What can I not put in a home cleanout dumpster?
Hazardous waste, paint, chemicals, tires, and appliances with refrigerant cannot go in a standard roll off. Ask us first and we will point you to the right option.
Where do you take the waste after a cleanout in Southern Maine?
We haul loads to licensed facilities and sort to recycle and donate what we can across Portland, Saco, and Scarborough, Maine.

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Email Waste Away

The owner answers the phone at 207-289-5168, day or night. Tell him the job and the address and the bin gets scheduled on the call.