How Big of a Dumpster Do I Need for Carpet?

Proper planning is the key to completing any project, and carpet removal is not excluded.

Carpet replacement/removal is a great way to increase the value of your home. Doing it yourself can save a pretty penny, usually to the tune of $200 to more than $500, but don’t expect it to be an easy job. It will take time and plenty of sweat, but proper preparation will be well worth it.

Unless you plan on making several trips to the local landfill, renting a roll-off dumpster will save you a ton of hassle – or 3 or 4, depending on how much carpet you’re going to need to remove. Deciding what size you need can be daunting. Dumpsters are measured in cubic yards; the average dimensions are 10 cubic yards, 20 cubic yards, 30 cubic yards, and 40 cubic yards. But what does this mean in size and volume?

In Orlando, the average dimensions for a 10-yard residential dumpster rental are 12 ft. x 6.5. ft. x 3.5 ft., and 22 ft. x 8 ft. x 4.5 ft. for a 20-yard. Some services offer unique dimensions better suited for residential placement, so it’s essential to consult your dumpster rental service and measure the area you plan to have the dumpster placed.  Size isn’t the only factor to consider. There are also weight limits.

Knowing the weight limits and staying within them will allow you to get the most for your money, preventing costly overage fees that can add up quickly. Though a 20-yard dumpster can hold nine or even ten tons of debris, most dumpster rental companies have an average limit of 4 tons. Why? There are truck hauling weight limits specific to your city and state. Also, dumpster rental companies have to pay the landfill dump fees, and if a weight limit isn’t placed on the service, the cost would be passed on to the customer, making the rental far more expensive than it currently is.

Let’s get down to brass tacks. How much does carpet weigh? The weight of the carpet can vary between 5 and 20 pounds per square yard. Therefore, on the conservative side, 1000 square feet of carpet weighs approximately 500 pounds and 2200 pounds for the heaviest stuff.  Before reserving your dumpster, remove a 3-ft. x 3 ft. section of the carpet and pad to weigh. This will give you a more accurate idea of the total weight you’re going to be removing.

What size dumpster do you need? The answer isn’t rocket science, but it does take some planning and estimating the weight and size of the flooring. Taking a few steps to get an accurate estimate will save you a big headache and possibly unnecessary costs.

As previously suggested, it’s always a good idea to speak to a representative at the dumpster rental company to establish what size is right for your needs, the dimensions of the dumpster, and the weight limit, so you are sure not to accrue overage charges.

You’re making a significant financial decision to replace your flooring and do it yourself, and a dumpster rental is a critical aspect of completing this project. Now that you have a better idea of what’s needed for your specific job, be sure to have these tools on hand to complete it safely.