What size dumpster do you need?

Dumpsters are sized by the cubic yard. That number is the room inside. It says nothing about how much weight you can load.

Around Dayton, Rumpke lists 20, 30 and 40 yard dumpsters and rents them by the week or by the month. It won't take hazardous materials. Rumpke also says it handles the permits that might be needed in some areas for commercial jobs.

Oakwood has its own. The city's dumpsters are about 12 yards, they're only for Oakwood residents doing their own work, and you get one for two business days.

How do you pick one?

We're not going to guess how many yards your kitchen is. Nobody official puts out numbers like that, and a wrong guess costs you money. So let the company size it.

Start with what you're throwing out. Is it heavy? Shingles and concrete are, and with those you'll hit the weight limit long before the dumpster looks anywhere close to full.

Then say where it'll sit and how long you want it. Huber Heights, Bath Township and Piqua all put a time limit in their rules.

Going on the street? Say so. In Tipp City and Piqua that means a permit and barricades.

Ask about the weight limit

It's different at every company. Get the limit when you get the price.

Our price form asks these same questions, so the companies that call you already know what you've got and can quote the right size the first time.