
How to Calculate the Amount of Waste Your Project Will Generate
How to Figure Out How Much Waste Your Project Will Make
If you’re doing a home renovation or construction job, it’s important to know how much construction waste (like wood, concrete, or drywall) your project will create. This helps you:
- Save money by renting the right-size dumpster
- Avoid delays and extra trips to throw stuff away
- Keep your site clean and follow the rules in places like Vancouver or Surrey
1. Know What Kind of Waste You’ll Have
Common types of construction waste:
- Wood (from framing or flooring)
- Concrete & bricks (from demolition)
- Metal (from pipes or wires)
- Drywall
- Roofing (shingles or tiles)
- General trash (like packaging or insulation)
2. Estimate Waste by Project Type
Here’s how much waste you might get from common projects:
- Small home reno (like a bathroom): ~8 yards
- Big home reno: ~30 yards
- Building a new home: up to 40 yards
- Roof replacement: 10–20 yards
3. Measure Your Waste
You can get a better estimate by:
- Measuring the size of the area (like 10×15 feet = 150 sq ft of drywall)
- Considering how heavy materials are
- Using online volume calculators (many bin rental companies have these)
4. Pick the Right Dumpster Size
Some common bin sizes:
- 10-yard: Small jobs like bathroom remodels
- 20-yard: Medium jobs like a kitchen reno or roofing
- 30-yard: Big renovations or commercial projects
- 40-yard: Huge construction jobs
Tip: In Surrey or Vancouver, book your bin early to make sure it’s available.
5. Plan for Extra Waste
Most projects make more waste than expected. Add about 10% extra to your estimate so you don’t run out of space in your bin.
6. Ask the Pros
If you’re not sure, call a local bin rental company. They can help you figure out what size you need and make sure you follow local waste rules.
Summary: Key Tips
- Know what kind of waste you’ll have
- Measure your space and estimate volume
- Pick the right bin size
- Add extra space just in case
- Ask for expert help if needed
Need help with your project? Contact the team for dumpster rentals in Surrey or Vancouver and get a free quote!