Remodel planning
How Long Should You Rent a Dumpster for a Kitchen Remodel?
Time the dumpster to the tear-out, not the whole remodel. That's when almost all the debris comes out.
How many days do you need a dumpster for a kitchen remodel?
A kitchen remodel usually needs a dumpster for the tear-out week, and the 7 days included with every rental cover that for most jobs. Old cabinets, counters, flooring and drywall all come out at the start. After that, new work makes far less waste, mostly boxes and offcuts.
| Phase | Debris | Need the dumpster? |
|---|---|---|
| Tear-out | Cabinets, counters, sink, flooring, drywall, old appliances | Yes, most of the volume |
| Rough-in | Small cuts of pipe, wire, lumber | A little |
| Drywall and paint | Scraps and mud buckets (dry, empty) | Some |
| Install | Cardboard and packing from cabinets and appliances | Bulky but light |
Wet paint can't go in the dumpster. An old fridge with Freon is $50.
When should the dumpster arrive?
The dumpster should arrive the day before tear-out starts, so the 7-day clock covers demolition days, not waiting days. Book by 3:00 PM for next-day delivery between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. You don't need to be home if the drop spot is clear.
A tight driveway? The placement guide shows the space each size needs.
What if the remodel runs longer than 7 days?
If the remodel runs past 7 days, each extra day costs $25. Keeping a dumpster 10 days costs $75 more; 14 days costs $175 more. If the box is already full, a swap for an empty one is billed as a new rental, so compare the two before you decide.
| Total days | Extra days | Added cost |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 0 | $0 |
| 10 | 3 | $75 |
| 14 | 7 | $175 |
Which size fits a kitchen remodel?
A 20-yard dumpster fits most kitchen remodels: it is 22 by 8 by 4 feet and includes 3 tons. A small galley kitchen with no flooring change may fit a 15-yard. Tile floors and stone counters are heavy, so add their weight before choosing the smaller size.
See sizes by room in the remodeling dumpster guide, or check the 20-yard dumpster specs.
Kitchen remodel dumpster questions
Should I keep the dumpster for the whole remodel?
Most of the waste leaves during tear-out, so keeping a dumpster for weeks of install work adds $25 a day for little debris. Many homeowners break down install boxes and recycle or bag them instead.
Can the old kitchen cabinets go in whole?
Cabinets can go in whole, but breaking them down flat lets you fit far more in the same dumpster. Load them low and fill the gaps with smaller debris.
Can I toss the old range and dishwasher?
A range or dishwasher without refrigerant can go in. A fridge or anything with Freon costs $50 per item because the landfill handles it separately.
Book your kitchen tear-out dumpster
Tell us your demo day. Book by 3:00 PM and the dumpster arrives the next day between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Deliveries 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Book by 3:00 PM for next-day delivery.