How To Choose The Right Roll-Off Container

Are you working on a construction project? Do you own a commercial site? Roll-off containers can keep your job site well organized and save you from multiple trips to dump yards for waste disposal or recycling.

Thanks to their mobility and various sizing options, roll-off containers are a safe and convenient way to discard debris. Before renting a container, you should take the following factors into consideration:

• Type of container suitable for your job.
• The right size container as dictated by weight limits and amount of debris.
• Pricing of the roll-off container.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these points.

Types of Containers

• Rear Loading container – Debris is loaded on a truck from the rear. This type of dumpster has a slanting top that allows the trash to drop inside easily.
• Front Loading container – Contains a slanted back, extending poles, and uses a hinge and winch system to dump the contents into a truck. The truck manually hooks the container and lifts it to dump the contents.
• Roll-off dumpster – An open-top container that rolls on and off a specially designed truck and is great for commercial, industrial and residential projects.

Standard Sizes of Roll-Off Containers

All roll-off containers are 8′ wide and 22′ long with varying wall heights. Standard dumpster sizes in cubic yards are:

• 25 cu. yd. – Featuring 4′ high sidewalls, this container is designed for small to medium projects. Twenty cubic yards is equal to the size of six pickup trucks.
• 30 cu. yd. – With 6′ high sidewalls, this container is for medium to large projects. Thirty cubic yards is equal to the size of nine pickup trucks.
• 40 cu. yd. – This container has 8′ high sidewalls. It is excellent for brush cleanup and large construction projects and renovations. Forty cubic yards is equal to the size of twelve pickup trucks.

Contact us or request a quote to find the right container that suits your requirements and budget. 

Typical Applications of Containers

• Construction jobs – Keep construction debris contained and your job site clean no matter how many projects you are working on, from roofing, landscaping, demolition, or heavy debris removal. Collect everything from smashed windows to ripped-up floor panels and debris of retaining walls and patios in a single construction or heavy debris container.
• Commercial waste collection – You will spot them at commercial sites such as large retail arenas, restaurants, gas stations, and parking lots for regular disposal needs. These dumpsters usually have a lid to ward off odor, pests, and other environmental elements. The front-loading and rear-loading containers fall in this category. Containers ensure that you meet the US EPA guidelines for managing and reducing waste at a commercial site.
• Residential jobs – You can keep a residential or mixed-waste container in your driveway for home and garage cleanouts, home improvement projects, moving homes, and clean up after disasters or storms. Since it is a smaller job, we recommend the 10-yard or 20-yard roll-off containers that save multiple trips to landfills.

Things You Should Know When Buying or Renting a Roll-Off Container

• Which Type of Roll-Off Hoist Does Your Truck Have?

Most trucks either have a roll-off hoist or a hook-lift to hoist the container. The lifting mechanism on the truck should be compatible with the container.

• What Dimensions Does Your Roll-Off Container Need to Be?

Choose the right size roll-off container according to the debris you want to haul.

• What is the Capacity of Your Roll-Off Truck?

The capacity of your roll-off truck may depend on the frame construction, axle capacities, engine, and hoist capacity.

• What is the Roll-Off Container Going to Be Used For?

You may have to choose based on whether the use is commercial, construction, industrial, or residential.

Used vs. New Roll-Off Containers

Roll-off containers are heavy and expensive, which makes buying one a pretty significant financial decision. Brand new containers will cost anywhere between $14,000 to $7,000, depending on the size. Pricing on new containers will also fluctuate based on raw material cost at the time of your purchase.  Used containers are a viable option at a much lower price point. 

If you are looking to purchase multiple containers, we recommend that you buy all of them from a single manufacturer for a better deal.

Alternatively, you can consider renting them at a monthly fee. Renting is a good option if you only require the equipment for a short period or want to test the product before purchasing.

What is the Cost of Renting Roll-Off Containers?

The exact rental cost of a roll-off container varies by location, size, and waste type. Check out the table below for reference points:

Some of the factors that can impact the final price include:

• Location – It depends on the local disposal fee, cost of fuel, regional regulations, and demand.
• Dumpster Size – Price varies with the size, as shown in the table above.
• Debris Type – Haulers may have to take the debris to a different landfill depending on whether you have construction waste, landscaping debris, or household junk. The rental fee varies accordingly.
• Debris Weight – Not all dumpsters can carry the same kind of debris. Ensure that you check the dumpster’s weight-bearing capacity, as this will also impact the price.
• Rental Period – The standard duration for the rental is 5-10 days. If you choose to rent for a more extended period, you may get better price deals.

For exact pricing, you can request a quote. 

Conclusion

Be it a rear-loading, front-loading, or roll-off dumpster, it is an ideal solution for managing waste at your site and dispose of it efficiently in a landfill. Whether you choose to rent or buy a roll-off container depends on your budget and the duration of the requirement. However, we suggest renting the container for cost efficiency and easy logistics management.

Why Choose Ironclad Environmental Solutions?

• 24/7/365 availability with rapid response times
• Customized solutions based on your needs
• We adhere to OSHA guidelines and DOT regulations
• Seamless on-site experience with fast and timely delivery
• Additional cleaning services

Speak to us to learn more about the roll-off container rental or purchase options for your project needs.

FAQs

What Construction Waste Can I Put in a Roll-Off Container?

• Shingles and Underlayment: Tiles, roofing gravel, and felt paper. 
• Heavy Debris: Concrete blocks, bricks, and asphalt.
• Landscaping Waste: Branches, shrubs, dirt, grass, and stumps.
• Building Materials: Lumber, drywall, flooring, and siding.

How Do I Prepare My Site for Container Delivery?

Below, you’ll find a broad guideline on preparing the site:

• Our delivery truck will need approximately 60′ of space in a straight line, 10.5′ width, and 23′ overhead clearance to place the dumpster on your site.
• There should be solid ground or a foundation underneath the container. Containers are heavy, and you don’t want them to sink in the mud.
• Your local municipal office will give you information regarding all the required permits. Arrange them before the container arrives.

At Ironclad Environmental Solutions, we help you prepare your site for delivery. Contact us for more information. 

What Can I Put in a Container?

• Alkaline batteries
• Home improvement and construction debris (asphalt, bathroom fixtures, brick, concrete, countertops, drywall, flooring, stone, tiles, etc.)
• Drained home appliances (washers, dryers, AC units)
• Electronic appliances
• Empty aerosol cans
• Household junk
• Wooden furniture
• Yard waste

What Can I Not Put in a Container?

• Adhesives
• Asbestos
• Contaminant soil and absorbents
• Hazardous liquids (motor oil, pesticides, freon, etc.)
• House cleaning fluids
• Hot water tanks
• Ink and resins
• Medical waste
• Non-alkaline batteries
• Oil, fuel, and propane tanks
• Paints
• Whole tires