Kitchen Remodel Dumpster Guide: Planning and Sizing
A kitchen remodel creates more debris than most homeowners expect: old cabinets, countertops, flooring, drywall, appliances and a pile of packaging from everything new. Planning for it up front keeps the project moving and your driveway clear.
Plan the project before the demo
- Decide the scope. A refresh (new hardware, refinished cabinets, new appliances) creates far less debris than a full gut to the studs.
- Set a budget with a buffer. Remodels almost always turn up surprises behind the walls. Leave room for them.
- Line up your contractors and your dumpster together. Have the dumpster delivered the day before demolition starts, so debris goes straight from the kitchen into the container.
What size dumpster for a kitchen remodel?
- 10 yard: a light update, such as replacing countertops, a few cabinets or flooring
- 20 yard: a typical full kitchen remodel with cabinets, counters, flooring and some drywall. This is the most common choice.
- 30 yard: a large kitchen, or a remodel combined with other rooms or an addition
Tile, stone countertops and plaster are heavy. If your kitchen has a lot of them, mention it when you book so we can check the weight allowance. Each additional ton is $80.
What can’t go in the dumpster
Most remodel debris is fine: cabinets, counters, drywall, flooring, fixtures and packaging. Keep out paint, solvents, adhesives and other chemicals. Refrigerators and other appliances with Freon need special handling, so ask before you load one.
Save money by recycling and donating
Cabinets, appliances and fixtures in decent shape can often be donated or sold instead of thrown away. That leaves more room in the dumpster and may let you rent a smaller size.
Planning a kitchen remodel in Austin? Call (512) 813-0619 or schedule your dumpster online.