Planning a Renovation? Don’t Let Waste Management Be a Waste of Time

The renovation of a facility is always exciting, bringing with it the promise of a more pleasant and functional space. Before that updated facility can be unveiled, however, renovation projects typically generate quite a bit of debris. For facilities managers, it’s crucial to plan ahead for waste management by securing the proper open top dumpsters to prevent trash and debris from piling up.

This planning is essential because, without it, waste disposal can quickly become a logistical challenge, delaying progress, increasing costs and potentially creating an unsafe condition. Some foresight ensures waste management doesn’t become a waste of everyone’s time – the facility manager’s, first and foremost.

Selecting the Right-Sized Dumpster
Before starting any type of major renovation work, it’s important to reserve a roll-off dumpster. This ensures that the work crew has an easy place to discard any waste that’s generated, and that the dumpster can be carted off and unloaded with ease. Planning ahead is key – the last thing a facility manager needs is to scramble for a dumpster the day before work begins, only to find that the appropriate size is unavailable. Speaking of size, choosing the right capacity of dumpster is crucial for ensuring an efficient project. While sizing can vary from one dumpster provider to the next, standard sizes include:

• Small dumpsters (10-15 yards). Dumpsters in this range are generally better suited for residential work but may be appropriate for modest commercial renovations.
• Medium dumpsters (20-30 yards). Dumpsters in the middle range will work well for most renovations, including roof replacements.
• Large dumpsters (40 yards). A more voluminous dumpster may be required for truly major renovations that are likely to generate massive amounts of waste.

One more thing: capacity is not the only concern when selecting a dumpster. Some types of waste, such as concrete, can be particularly heavy, which makes it more difficult to transport. Standard dumpsters often have a maximum weight limit, while heavy-duty dumpsters are available as an alternative. Always make sure that your dumpster provider is aware of what type of waste or debris will go into the dumpster.

Handling Waste Effectively
Reserving the correct size of roll-off dumpster is an important first step toward efficient waste management, but it’s also important to know the best practices for consolidation and disposal.

• Consider recycling. One thing for facility managers to bear in mind is that not every piece of waste or debris will wind up in the dumpsters. In particular, renovation projects may present opportunities to recycle many types of materials, which means separate piles or containers will be needed. It’s always best to check municipal guidelines about what can and cannot be recycled, and to sort materials before they are discarded.
• Be careful with hazardous materials. In a similar vein, facility managers should check local guidelines regarding hazardous material disposal, as certain kinds of waste aren’t allowed in dumpsters – think asbestos, chemicals and certain types of paint. If these materials are involved in the renovation, it’s vital to verify the appropriate disposal methods; after all, nothing stalls project efficiency or drives up project costs like a regulatory infraction.
• Schedule pickups. If the renovation project lasts for more than a few days, waste can start piling high – and if the dumpsters aren’t emptied, it can disrupt the entire jobsite. As such, it’s important to coordinate pickups at regular intervals. It’s usually best to plan for pickups the day before or the day after major demolition days; scheduling a pickup during the peak of demolition just clutters the jobsite and slows everyone’s progress.
• Consider donating unwanted items. Renovations may generate concrete, drywall, wood, old carpeting and more – all of which call for efficient waste removal. Other byproducts of renovation can include furniture, light fixtures and other items that remain in serviceable condition. Creating a donations pile can be a simple way to set these things aside, rather than just having them take up space in a dumpster.
• Handle each material wisely. Before tossing certain types of material into the dumpster, there are steps facility managers can take to prepare for efficient disposal. When disposing of wood, that means removing nails. For concrete and drywall, it means breaking down large chunks into smaller pieces. These simple tasks can help to maximize the available space in the dumpster, preventing an overflow.

For Efficient Waste Removal, Planning Is a Must
Renovation is always a messy business, and for large-scale commercial projects, that mess can compound quickly. By prioritizing proper waste management from the outset, facility managers can maintain a safer, more efficient work environment and avoid unnecessary regulatory hurdles.

Sean Foley has served as the redbox+ Dumpsters brand president since the beginning of 2024 but worked with the company as director of operations and regional business coach for nearly two years before being appointed to the company’s top role. Prior to entering into the world of franchising, Foley worked as an attorney where he built a career handling commercial and construction litigation, contracts, and financial law.