If you’re planning your first major home project in Austin like cleaning out your garage, remodeling your kitchen, or tackling a big landscaping overhaul, you’ll quickly realize just how much debris can pile up. Trips to the landfill take time, energy, and multiple vehicle loads. That’s where renting a dumpster from Atex Dumpsters comes in.
Dumpster rentals make waste removal simple, affordable, and efficient for homeowners. But if you’ve never rented one before, you probably have a few questions—like what size you need, how long to keep it, and whether you should choose a live load or scheduled pickup.
This guide breaks down everything you should know before your first dumpster rental so your project goes smoothly from start to finish.
Understanding Dumpster Sizes and Choosing the Right One
Dumpster sizes are measured in cubic yards, which describe how much debris they can hold. Choosing the right size depends on the scope of your project, the type of materials you’ll be disposing of, and how much space you have available for placement. Below is a breakdown of the most common sizes and what they’re best suited for.
- 10 Yard: A 10 yard dumpster is the smallest option and works well for light residential projects. It holds roughly three pickup truck loads of debris, making it a great fit for small attic or garage cleanouts, minor landscaping work, or single-room decluttering. The 10 yard fits comfortably in most driveways while providing plenty of room for typical household junk or yard waste.
- 15 Yard: Stepping up slightly in size, the 15 yard dumpster is ideal for small remodeling jobs or cleanup projects that generate a bit more debris. The 15 yard can hold around four to five pickup truck loads, making it a great rental for small to medium projects. Many Austin homeowners choose this size because it’s large enough for single-room renovations or moving cleanouts, yet compact enough to avoid blocking the driveway.
- 20 Yard: The 20 yard dumpster is one of the most versatile and commonly rented sizes for home projects. It can handle six to eight pickup truck loads of debris and is perfect for larger renovations like kitchen remodels, flooring replacement, or deck removals. This size gives you extra space for bulky materials such as cabinets, drywall, or furniture while still being easy to load from ground level.
- 30 Yard: For major renovation projects or large-scale cleanouts, a 30 yard dumpster provides the extra capacity you’ll need. Holding nine to twelve pickup truck loads of waste, it’s a great fit for multi-room remodels, full roof replacements, or estate cleanouts. This size allows you to manage big projects without scheduling multiple hauls.
- 40 Yard: Finally, the 40 yard dumpster is the largest residential option and is best for full-home remodels, large construction projects, or significant property cleanups. It accommodates up to sixteen pickup truck loads of material. While this size is more common for contractors or extensive renovations, some homeowners choose it when they want to complete large projects in a single rental.
How Long Should You Rent a Dumpster?
Most residential dumpster rentals last between 7 and 14 days, though the exact duration depends on your needs. Here’s a quick guide:
- Live Load: A short-term dumpster rental where the driver waits while you load debris, then hauls it away immediately after. This is a great option if you have a strict HOA, live in a downtown area or home with a shared driveway.
- 1–3 days: Ideal for small weekend projects.
- 7 days: Perfect for average remodels, moving prep, or cleanouts.
- 14+ days: Best for ongoing renovations or multi-phase projects.
When scheduling your rental, think about how long the project will realistically take. It’s better to add an extra day or two up front than rush to finish before pickup. Atex Dumpsters offers flexible rental periods, so you can keep your dumpster as long as needed without unnecessary stress.
Driveway Protection: What It Is and Why It Matters
Driveway protection might sound optional, but it’s an important step to prevent damage to your property. Roll-off dumpsters are heavy, especially once filled, and can leave marks or small dents if placed directly on asphalt or concrete.
To prevent this, Atex Dumpsters uses wood planks or protective pads under each dumpster to evenly distribute weight and avoid scratching or cracking the surface. You can also add extra layers of plywood or rubber mats if you’re particularly concerned.
Do you need it?
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Concrete driveways: Usually safe with standard protection, but still recommended.
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Asphalt driveways: Definitely—hot Texas weather can soften asphalt, making dents more likely.
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Gravel or dirt areas: Optional, but helps with stability and prevents the dumpster from sinking after rain.
When scheduling delivery, let Atex Dumpsters know your surface type and they’ll take care of proper placement so your driveway stays in great shape.
Why Homeowners in Austin Trust Atex Dumpsters
Atex Dumpsters makes the rental process easy for first-time customers. As a locally owned and operated company serving Austin and surrounding areas, they understand the unique needs of homeowners working on everything from weekend cleanouts to full remodels. Whether you’re cleaning out your attic, replacing a roof, or tackling a home addition, Atex Dumpsters will help you find the perfect dumpster size and schedule for your needs.