Whether you’re tackling a kitchen remodel in Superior, running a construction crew in Longmont, or finally clearing out that overstuffed garage in Lafayette, there’s one thing you’re going to need: a place to put all the debris. And unless you want to make dozens of trips to the dump yourself, a commercial dumpster rental is the way to go.
At Box Brothers Roll-Off Services, we’ve been helping homeowners and contractors across Erie, Northglenn, Brighton, Louisville, Dacono, Gunbarrel, Niwot, and the surrounding Colorado communities for more than 10 years. We’ve seen just about every type of project you can imagine, from small bathroom renovations to massive commercial demolitions. Along the way, we’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to help our customers avoid costly mistakes.
So let’s break down what you need to know about commercial dumpster rentals, from picking the right size to understanding what you can actually throw away.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the right commercial dumpster rental size (10–30 cubic yards) based on your project scope and debris weight to avoid overage fees.
- Heavy materials like concrete, roofing shingles, and dirt can trigger weight overages—factor this in when selecting your container size.
- Check local permit requirements before placing a dumpster on public streets in Superior or surrounding Colorado communities.
- Keep prohibited items like electronics, hazardous chemicals, fuels, and tires out of your dumpster to avoid rejection fees at the landfill.
- Load your dumpster evenly and break down bulky items to maximize space and ensure safe hauling without overflow charges.
- Coordinate your rental period with your demolition schedule to minimize idle days and keep costs predictable.
Understanding Commercial Dumpster Sizes and Capacities
One of the first questions we get is, “What size dumpster do I need?” It’s a fair question, and getting it right can save you money and headaches.
Most commercial roll-off dumpsters are measured in cubic yards. Here at Box Brothers, we offer four sizes:
- 10 cubic yards – Great for small cleanouts, garage purges, or heavy materials like concrete
- 12 cubic yards – A step up for medium-sized residential projects
- 20 cubic yards (available in both long and short configurations) – The short version is perfect for driveways with limited space
- 30 cubic yards – Ideal for large construction jobs, whole-house cleanouts, or commercial projects
We also recently introduced mini roll-off dumpsters with 10 cubic yards of space. These are perfect for homeowners in Superior or Gunbarrel who don’t need a massive container but also don’t want to haul three or four truckloads to the dump themselves. And because they’re compact, they can fit on smaller driveways without blocking the street.
Here’s something important to understand: capacity isn’t just about volume. There’s also a weight limit. Even if your debris physically fits in the container, exceeding the weight allowance in your rental agreement will trigger overage fees. Landfills charge by the ton, and those costs get passed along. So if you’re disposing of heavy materials like roofing shingles, dirt, or concrete, you’ll want to factor that in when choosing your size.
Choosing the Right Dumpster for Your Project Type
The right dumpster depends on two main factors: how much debris you expect and how dense that debris is. Let’s look at some common scenarios.
Residential Renovation Projects
If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom in Lafayette or Louisville, a 10 to 20 yard dumpster usually does the trick. The exact size depends on the scope of work and how much you’re tearing out. Cabinets, flooring, drywall, and old fixtures add up quickly.
For whole-house renovations or major cleanouts, you’ll likely want a 20 to 30 yard container to avoid multiple hauls. We recommend booking a flexible rental period that aligns with your contractor’s schedule and major demolition days. That way, you’re not paying for a dumpster sitting in your driveway while you wait for work to begin.
If your project will stretch over several weeks, consider staggered pickups. This keeps the site organized, prevents overflow, and reduces safety hazards from debris piling up around the work area.
Construction and Demolition Jobs
Contractors working active job sites in Erie, Brighton, or Northglenn typically need 20 to 40 yard roll-off dumpsters. These handle the high volume of framing lumber, drywall, roofing materials, and mixed construction and demolition debris that comes with larger projects.
For extremely heavy waste like concrete, masonry, or dirt, we often recommend a 10 yard container and advise limiting how full you load it. The weight adds up fast, and you don’t want to be surprised by overage charges.
Here’s a pro tip: if you’re generating specific materials like clean concrete or scrap metal, keeping a dedicated dumpster for those items can lower your disposal costs. Many of these materials qualify for recycling rates, which are cheaper than mixed C&D tipping fees. Plus, a centralized dumpster improves job site safety by reducing tripping hazards and scattered debris.
Permit Requirements and Placement Considerations
Where you put the dumpster matters more than you might think.
If the container sits on your private property, like a driveway or backyard, you’re usually good to go. But if it needs to be placed on a public street or right-of-way, many jurisdictions require a temporary placement permit. Cities often have rules about blocking parking, sidewalks, fire hydrants, or intersections.
Before scheduling delivery, check with your local municipality in Superior, Dacono, Niwot, or wherever your project is located. The last thing you want is a fine or having to move the dumpster mid-project.
When it comes to placement on your property, choose a flat, stable surface. The roll-off truck needs enough clearance to raise and lower the container safely, and you’ll want easy access for loading throughout your project. Place the dumpster as close to the work area as practical to reduce labor time, but make sure it doesn’t block access for residents, customers, or other deliveries.
Our drivers at Box Brothers Roll-Off Services are experienced with residential and commercial deliveries across the Denver metro area. We’ll work with you to find the best spot that keeps your project running smoothly.
What You Can and Cannot Dispose Of
This is where a lot of people get tripped up. Not everything can go in a commercial dumpster, and putting the wrong items in there can result in extra fees or even rejection at the landfill.
What you CAN typically dispose of:
- Wood, lumber, and plywood
- Drywall and sheetrock
- Roofing shingles and siding
- Flooring materials (carpet, tile, hardwood)
- Non-contaminated soil
- General household junk and furniture
- Some appliances (though items with refrigerants may have extra charges)
What you CANNOT put in a dumpster:
- eWaste – cell phones, computers, TVs, DVD players
- Fuel and fluids – propane tanks, gas equipment, diesel, oil, automotive fluids
- Chemicals – pesticides, poisons, and paint (unless completely dry)
- Hazardous materials – asbestos, medical waste, batteries
- Tires (often restricted or require special handling)
Many companies also limit large amounts of yard waste or very dense materials mixed with general trash. The key is to review the accepted items list in your rental agreement before you start loading.
When you rent from us, we’ll make sure you know the rules upfront. We’d rather spend a few minutes explaining what can and can’t go in the container than have you face complications at pickup.
Cost Factors and Rental Duration Tips
Dumpster rental pricing isn’t as complicated as it might seem, but there are a few things that affect what you’ll pay.
Most rental prices include:
- Delivery and pickup
- A set rental period (usually ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks)
- A specific debris type allowance
- A maximum weight limit
- Disposal fees
If you exceed any of those limits, whether it’s keeping the dumpster longer, going over the weight cap, or putting prohibited items inside, you’ll see surcharges on your bill.
Key cost drivers include:
- Container size (larger bins cost more)
- Debris type (heavy or hazardous materials may have higher disposal fees)
- Weight (landfills charge by the ton)
- Local landfill rates and haul distance
- Municipal permit charges, if applicable
Standard rental periods are usually between 7 and 14 days, with daily or weekly extension fees if you need more time. Planning your demolition phases and deliveries around that window helps minimize idle days when the container is just sitting there.
For contractors managing multiple jobs in Longmont, Brighton, or across the Denver metro, coordinating dumpster swaps with your project timeline keeps costs predictable and sites organized.
Maximizing Efficiency and Avoiding Extra Fees
Nobody likes surprise charges. Here’s how to avoid them.
Size up slightly. It’s better to have a little extra room than to cram debris into a too-small container. Overfilling leads to overflow fees, and exceeding weight limits triggers overages.
Load evenly. Break down bulky items like furniture, cabinets, or large pieces of lumber so they lay flat. Nothing should stick up above the top rail of the container. If debris is sticking out, the load is considered unsafe for hauling, and you may face additional charges or a trip-back fee.
Keep prohibited items out. This sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you’re in the middle of a hectic project. Train your crew or anyone helping with the cleanout on what belongs in the container and what needs to go to a hazardous waste facility or specialty recycling program.
Clarify everything in writing. Before work begins, make sure you understand the rental terms, including acceptable waste, weight limits, fees, and pickup procedures. This is especially important for contractors working with homeowners. When everyone shares the same expectations, there are fewer surprises.
Use our calculator. Box Brothers has a handy size calculator on our website to help you estimate the right dumpster for your project. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process.
Conclusion
Renting a commercial dumpster doesn’t have to be complicated. Match your container size to the debris volume and weight you expect, confirm local permit and placement requirements, and understand exactly what can go in the bin. Clear agreements, smart loading practices, and good coordination between property owners and contractors reduce surprises, keep job sites safer, and prevent costly extra fees.
At Box Brothers Roll-Off Services, we’ve been providing top-notch customer service for over a decade. Whether you’re a homeowner in Superior tackling a renovation or a contractor running jobs across Erie, Longmont, Northglenn, Lafayette, Louisville, Dacono, Gunbarrel, or Niwot, we’re here to help.
We offer dumpsters in four sizes, including our new mini roll-offs that are perfect for smaller projects. And we’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect before the container ever hits your driveway.
Ready to get started? Give us a call today for commercial dumpster rental service. We’ll help you find the right size, schedule delivery at your convenience, and answer any questions along the way. Let Box Brothers Roll-Off Services take the hassle out of your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size commercial dumpster do I need for a home renovation project?
For kitchen or bathroom remodels, a 10 to 20 cubic yard dumpster typically works well. Whole-house renovations or major cleanouts usually require a 20 to 30 yard container. Consider both debris volume and weight, especially for heavy materials like concrete or roofing shingles, to avoid overage fees.
What items cannot be thrown in a commercial dumpster rental?
Prohibited items include eWaste (TVs, computers, phones), fuels and automotive fluids, hazardous chemicals, pesticides, wet paint, asbestos, medical waste, batteries, and tires. Placing restricted items in your dumpster can result in extra fees or rejection at the landfill.
Do I need a permit for a commercial dumpster rental in Superior or nearby Colorado communities?
If the dumpster sits on private property like your driveway, permits typically aren’t required. However, placing a container on public streets or rights-of-way usually requires a temporary placement permit. Check with your local municipality before scheduling delivery to avoid fines.
How much does it cost to rent a commercial dumpster?
Commercial dumpster rental prices typically include delivery, pickup, a set rental period (7–14 days), weight limits, and disposal fees. Cost factors include container size, debris type, weight, local landfill rates, and haul distance. Exceeding weight limits or rental periods triggers additional surcharges.
How can I avoid extra fees when renting a commercial dumpster?
Size up slightly to allow extra room, load debris evenly without exceeding the top rail, and keep prohibited items out. Break down bulky materials to maximize space. Review your rental agreement to understand weight limits, acceptable waste types, and pickup procedures before loading begins.
How long can I keep a commercial dumpster rental?
Standard rental periods range from 7 to 14 days, with daily or weekly extension fees available if you need more time. Plan demolition phases around your rental window to minimize idle days and coordinate dumpster swaps with your project timeline to keep costs predictable.
