Choosing the right waste bin size is more than going to the store and selecting the fanciest or the biggest ones available. First, you need to understand what your home or business needs clearly.
It might not be the first thought that comes to you when you want to get a dumpster, but a waste bin is a permanent investment that lasts for a long time. Hence, you should consider important factors such as the type of material you need to get rid of, your space, and the kind of waste container.
Types of waste containers could range from tub-style containers to sealed and sludge-style containers. The size of these waste containers matters too, but fret not. If you do not understand all the different nuances of choosing it, that is what we are here for.
Factors to Consider
When choosing the type of waste container you need for your business or home, you must consider certain factors.
- Consider the type of waste you are getting rid of. Is it liquid or solid waste? Is it recyclable or compostable waste? Is it hazardous?
- Consider the design of the waste container. The design gives you an idea of how the practical usage of the bin works. For instance, a waste bin with an open-top would work well for waste nonorganic waste such as plastic or paper that you can simply throw away. However, it’s easier to hide dirty used items such as organic waste that may soon begin to stink in a waste container with a lid.
- Consider how you will throw away the dirt from the bin. This is critical as the endpoint of waste bin usage is throwing the dirt out. Consider if the container has wheels or not or if there are bag grips.
- Consider the volume of waste you generate and how often you want to dispose of them. This is important to decide the size of the container you need.
- Consider your home or business location and where you will put the bin. For example, you will need a waste bin that can withstand the elements if you are outside. If you need to place your container indoors, you will have to consider odor control.
When you consider these, you are on your way to making the best possible choice of waste bins for your home or business.
Types of Waste Containers
Now, let us look at the types of waste bins and the best situations to use them:
- Tub-style containers: These containers are used on construction sites to haul off heavy-duty scraps such as concrete blocks. They are usually outside and are tapered to one end to remove waste easily.
- Roll-off containers: These are best for businesses that produce much waste temporarily. It is usually used for solid or liquid non-hazardous waste. It sometimes comes with a tarp or steel top that covers the trash inside,
- Sealed and sludge-style containers: They are similar to roll-off containers but sealed and sludge containers have a sealed tailgate. They ensure zero leakage of the materials stored inside, even when being transported. They can be used for heavy-duty purposes and may be suited for hazardous material disposal.
- Wheel-carts: These are typically seen in small businesses and homes that do not generate much waste. They can be out indoors or outdoors and easily wheeled away.
Choosing the right size of waste container
Now you have a general idea of the different types of waste bins you could use and what might be the best fit for your requirements. The next step is deciding what size is best for your space. To do this, make sure you have a dedicated space for your waste container.
Roll-off containers: These come in different sizes, such as:
- Five cubic yards: Used for small projects like yard work or kitchen renovations
- Ten cubic yards: Used for larger renovation in homes such as living room renovations and large garage projects.
- Fifteen cubic yards: Used for waste disposal in larger-scale projects like packing out of a house.
- Twenty cubic yards: Used for remodeling jobs such as kitchen remodels, floor removals, and roofing.
- Thirty cubic yards: Used for more significant projects like home demolitions
- Forty cubic yards: Used for large-scale demolitions.
Wheel-carts: These may be small but also come in different sizes.
- 64-gallon containers: These can hold four garbage bags
- 96-gallon containers: These can carry about six garbage bags
Tub-style containers: The sizes range from 10 – 40 yard
- Ten yards: Used for small temporary jobs like cleaning drainages.
- Forty yards: Used by businesses that throw waste into a landfill or off the dock.
Mistakes to avoid
- Avoid filling your bin so much that it overflows. It can pose a health risk, and your waste might not be picked up. Even if it is, you may be charged more than you expect.
- Recycling is not just throwing anything you find into the recycling bin. Check the regulations on recycling in your area. Make sure you’re disposing of your waste properly.
- Choose an appropriate waste bin size. Do not just make uninformed decisions. Getting a smaller bin than needed will cause you to overfill your waste container.
- If you have waste that does not fit into your bin, such as a bed frame or condemned appliance, it would be best to contact your hauler and ask them about the process to remove it. Do not assume that they will pick it up.
- Always ensure you are careful when throwing hazardous waste. Waste disposal of unsafe substances always has strict regulations surrounding it. You should make sure you choose the correct type of waste container for it and adhere to the regulations regarding this.
- Avoid hiring a waste disposal company too far from your business. This typically applies to large industries that need more specialized waste disposal methods. Always see if you can get a local company. Apart from the fact that it will reduce costs for you, it will also ensure that they will not take time to respond in the case of emergencies.
We can help simplify your decision-making process. Do you have any questions that haven’t been addressed here or need some help deciding what’s right for your home or business? Let our experts help out. Contact us now.