When it comes to waste management, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Much like the businesses that use them, dumpsters come in many sizes and serve many different purposes. Selecting the right one for your business will depend on how many people will be using it on a regular basis, the type of waste being produced, and whether or not this will be a permanent need.
First, you can determine what size you’ll need based on how many employees will be using it. Once you’ve nailed down a size, you can select which type of dumpster your business needs. Be honest with yourself about how much waste your business produces. Even if the waste management site you’re referencing tells you to go with a dumpster the size of a tiny horse, if you know you need one the size of a tiny house because your business, albeit small, is actually super high-volume, then go with the tiny house option. It’s extremely unsafe to overload a dumpster, so use your best judgment here.
For your permanent waste solutions, front load dumpsters are the way to go. The sizes range from 2-yard to 8-yard.
2-Yard
Dimensions: 3x3x6 ft
● This will be used for small businesses such as a mom-and-pop restaurant or an office with around 25 employees.
● Can hold around up to 400lbs.
3-Yard
Dimensions: 4x3.4x6 ft
● Also for small businesses and offices with up to 50 employees.
● Can hold up to 600lbs.
4-Yard
Dimensions: 4x4.5x6 ft
● Works best for medium-sized businesses, clinics, and offices with anywhere from 50-100 employees.
● Holds up to 800lbs.
6-Yard
Dimensions: 6x4.5x6 ft
● Ideal for medium to large businesses, restaurants, etc., and offices with up to 250 employees.
● Holds up to 1200lbs.
8-Yard
Dimensions: 6x6x6 ft
● Best fit for large, high volume businesses and offices with up to 500 employees.
● Holds around 1800lbs.
For more temporary solutions, such as renovations and spring cleaning, a roll-off/open-top container will get the job done. They can be used for large projects like landscaping or construction. They can also be used as permanent solutions for very high-volume businesses that produce large amounts of waste, such as major hotels.
10-Yard
Dimensions: 3.5x7.5x14 ft
● The smallest open-top container size available, 10-yards are typically used by small offices or construction sites.
20-Yard
Dimensions: 4.5x7.5x22 ft
● Similar to the 10-yard open-top container, this size is most often used by small office buildings or for small remodel projects.
30-Yard
Dimensions: 6x7.5x22 ft
● The most frequently used open-top option, typically for construction or debris.
40-Yard
Dimensions: 8x7.5x22 ft
● The tallest and largest solution for businesses.
Totes/Wheel-carts
For smaller waste needs, such as a small apartment complex or small businesses, a tote/wheel-cart will work best. You can typically choose between two sizes: a 64-Gallon waste container with dimensions of 2.49x2x2.65 ft or a 96-Gallon container with dimensions of 3.6x2.48x3 ft.
Whatever your needs are, there’s a waste solution. Do your research first, and make sure your employees are educated on how to dispose of waste properly. Just because you’ve provided your staff with the resources, that doesn’t mean they’ll know how to use them. And with all of the information at your disposal, educating everyone isn’t so difficult anymore.
Unique Locations with Unique Needs
The trash math for most standard locations is pretty easy, as most businesses, industrial complexes and multi-family residences will have dedicated, clear space for waste receptacles and collection.
Some unique business types will offer unique challenges, however. For example, businesses that are in remote locations are likely to have fewer service options, and even close-in locations can be tricky if space or clearance is an issue either for receptacles or for collection vehicles.
Campgrounds and RV parks are good examples of these types of challenges. “Many of our partners operate campgrounds in remote locations where access roads may not be suitable for standard collections vehicles,” says Al Cabrera of RoverPass, a producer of campground management software. “Clearance is another issue entirely, especially in heavily wooded areas. Sometimes you have to get pretty creative.” When setting up services at these types of locations, it is generally worthwhile to get quotes from a number of service providers and request some creative options. The more information you can provide the better, and visuals like diagrams or photos certainly will help you get an accurate quote for the appropriate service.