How to Arrange Dumpster and Portable Toilet
Before demolition begins, you need waste management infrastructure in place. A 30-40 yard dumpster and portable toilet are essential for any whole-home remodel. Getting this right prevents delays and keeps your contractor happy.
Quick Summary
Dumpster rental
$400 - $800/week
Portable toilet
$200 - $350/month
Order lead time
3-7 days
Why This Matters
Demolition cannot begin without a dumpster on site. If your dumpster arrives late, your crew sits idle at $500-$1,500 per day in labor costs. A missing portable toilet violates OSHA regulations and will cause your contractor to refuse to work. These are non-negotiable items that must be in place before the first hammer swings.
Beyond the practical requirements, proper waste management planning affects your neighbors, your HOA standing, and your overall project timeline. A full dumpster that sits for days waiting for pickup blocks progress and creates safety hazards.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Estimate Your Debris Volume
Calculate expected waste based on your renovation scope. A whole-home remodel typically generates 20-50 tons of debris depending on home size and scope of work.
Debris estimates by project type:
- Complete gut renovation (2,000 sq ft)30-40 tons
- Major remodel with some preservation20-30 tons
- Cosmetic renovation (finishes only)10-15 tons
- Each 30-yard dumpster holds4-6 tons
2. Choose Your Dumpster Size
For whole-home remodels, a 30 or 40-yard dumpster is standard. Smaller sizes require more frequent exchanges, which adds cost and coordination overhead.
30-Yard Dumpster
- Dimensions: 22' x 8' x 6'
- Holds: ~9 pickup truck loads
- Weight limit: 4-6 tons typical
- Cost: $400-$600/week
- Best for: Most whole-home remodels
40-Yard Dumpster
- Dimensions: 22' x 8' x 8'
- Holds: ~12 pickup truck loads
- Weight limit: 5-8 tons typical
- Cost: $500-$800/week
- Best for: Large homes, major demo
3. Contact Multiple Providers
Get quotes from at least 3 dumpster rental companies. Prices vary significantly by provider and demand. Ask about:
- Included rental period (4-7 days typical)
- Weight allowance and overage fees
- Same-day or next-day exchange availability
- Prohibited materials (mattresses, tires, hazmat)
- Permits they handle vs. you arrange
Tip: Ask your general contractor for their preferred dumpster company. They often have volume relationships that get better pricing and faster service.
4. Plan Dumpster Placement
Location matters for accessibility and compliance. Consider these factors:
5. Check Permits and HOA Rules
Verify local requirements before scheduling delivery:
- Street placement: Usually requires city permit ($25-$100)
- Driveway placement: Typically no permit needed
- HOA rules: May require approval, screening, or time limits
- Duration limits: Some areas limit how long dumpster can stay
6. Order Portable Toilet
If bathrooms will be demolished or inaccessible, a portable toilet is legally required. OSHA mandates toilet facilities within 10-minute walk of work areas.
Portable toilet options:
- Standard unit (monthly rental)$200-$300
- Deluxe unit with sink$275-$400
- Weekly servicing (included)1x/week
- Additional servicing$50-$75/visit
7. Schedule Delivery Timing
Coordinate delivery with your project start date:
- Dumpster: Deliver 1-2 days before demolition starts
- Portable toilet: Deliver day before first workers arrive
- Confirm delivery window (most companies offer AM or PM)
- Ensure someone is available to direct placement
- Book exchanges in advance during busy demo phases
Pro Tips
- Schedule exchanges proactively. Don't wait until the dumpster is overflowing. Book your next pickup 1-2 days before you expect to need it.
- Protect your driveway. Place plywood sheets under dumpster wheels to prevent cracking concrete or damaging asphalt.
- Separate materials. Keep metal, appliances, and concrete separate for recycling. Many haulers charge less for separated, recyclable materials.
- Position toilet discreetly. Place out of direct neighbor sightlines but accessible to workers. Include hand sanitizer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating debris volume
Homeowners consistently underestimate how much debris a remodel generates. That "small bathroom" produces 2-3 tons of waste. Budget for 50% more exchanges than your initial estimate. Running out of dumpster capacity halts work.
Waiting until the last minute to order
During busy construction seasons, dumpster companies book up quickly. Order at least 5-7 days in advance. Same-day delivery often isn't available and costs premium rates when it is.
Ignoring weight limits
Concrete, brick, and tile are extremely heavy. A dumpster full of these materials easily exceeds weight limits, triggering overage fees of $40-$100 per ton. Use a separate container for heavy materials.
Putting prohibited items in the dumpster
Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, asbestos), electronics, tires, and mattresses are typically prohibited. Dumping these incurs removal fees of $50-$200 per item. Know the rules before demo begins.
Skipping the portable toilet
Some homeowners think workers can "figure it out." This violates OSHA regulations and disrespects your crew. No toilet means workers leave site, wasting your time and money. It's $200/month - just get one.
Dumpster Cost Breakdown
| Cost Factor | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30-yard rental (weekly) | $400-$600 | Includes 4-7 days, 4-6 ton limit |
| 40-yard rental (weekly) | $500-$800 | Includes 4-7 days, 5-8 ton limit |
| Additional day rental | $10-$25/day | After included period |
| Overage weight fee | $40-$100/ton | Per ton over limit |
| Same-day exchange | $50-$100 extra | If available |
| Street permit | $25-$100 | Required for public right-of-way |
| Total for 12-month project | $3,000-$8,000 | Multiple exchanges |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dumpster do I need for a whole-home remodel?
A whole-home remodel typically requires a 30-40 yard dumpster. A 30-yard dumpster holds approximately 9 pickup truck loads of debris and is suitable for most major renovations. For larger homes or complete gut renovations, a 40-yard dumpster may be necessary. You'll likely need multiple exchanges throughout the project.
How much does a construction dumpster cost per week?
Construction dumpster rental typically costs $400-$800 per week for a 30-yard container, depending on your location and included weight allowance. Most rentals include 4-7 days and a weight limit of 4-6 tons. Additional fees apply for overage weight ($40-$100/ton), extended rental ($10-$25/day), and prohibited materials.
Do I need a permit for a dumpster in my driveway?
In most areas, you do not need a permit if the dumpster is placed entirely on your private property (driveway). However, if the dumpster needs to be placed on the street or public right-of-way, you'll typically need a permit from your city ($25-$100). Always check local regulations and HOA rules before delivery.
Is a portable toilet required for construction sites?
OSHA requires jobsite toilet facilities if no functioning restroom is available within a 10-minute walk. For whole-home remodels where bathrooms are demolished, a portable toilet is legally required and costs $200-$350/month including weekly servicing. Most contractors will not work without one available.
How many dumpster loads does a whole-home remodel generate?
A typical whole-home remodel generates 20-50 tons of debris, requiring 3-8 dumpster exchanges over the project duration. Factors affecting volume include: home size, scope of demolition, whether you're removing flooring/drywall/cabinets, and amount of structural changes. Budget for more exchanges than you think you'll need.
Ready for the Next Step?
With dumpster and toilet arranged, you need to prepare the job site for contractor access and ensure proper safety measures are in place.