Dumpster for a Basement Cleanout
Most basement cleanout jobs need a 20 yard dumpster, which runs a median of $419. Expect 1.5 to 3 tons of debris.
How much it weighs
Similar to a whole-house cleanout but smaller. Finished-basement demolition adds drywall and framing, which roughly doubles the weight.
What to watch for
Water-damaged material is much heavier than dry. Wet carpet and drywall can double what you estimated.
Will it go over the weight allowance?
Very likely, and this is the number that decides your bill. A 20 yard typically includes 2 tons. This job runs 1.5 to 3 tons, so you should expect to be 1 tons over. At a median $76 a ton that is roughly $0 to $76 on top, against a median rental of $419.
That is not a reason to book a bigger container. Volume and weight are priced separately, and a 20 yard that is half full by volume can still be over on weight. The move is to tell the yard what the debris really is before they quote, so the allowance is set for the job rather than for the box.
What goes in
stored goods, old furniture, drywall and framing, carpet.
What does not: paint, solvents, tyres, batteries, appliances containing refrigerant, and anything with a fuel tank. Most yards surcharge mattresses and some refuse them outright. Ask for the prohibited list when you book rather than discovering it on collection day, because a load that has to be sorted at the gate is billed for the sorting.
Is the 20 yard the right call?
A 20 yard is 22′ × 8′ × 4.5′, roughly 6 pickup loads. If you are between sizes, the 30 yard gives you 9 loads instead. The step up costs about $101 more at the median. Going up a size buys volume, not weight allowance, so it is the right move when you are running out of room and the wrong one when you are running out of tons.
Other jobs like this one
- Roof Tear-Off 20 yd
- Kitchen Remodel 20 yd
- Deck Removal 20 yd
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Questions
- What size dumpster do I need for a basement cleanout?
- A 20 yard dumpster handles most basement cleanout jobs, 22′ × 8′ × 4.5′, about 6 pickup truck loads.
- How much does a dumpster for a basement cleanout cost?
- A 20 yard runs a median of $419, with most companies between $350 and $490. Weight over the included allowance is extra, typically $76 per ton.
- How much does basement cleanout debris weigh?
- 1.5 to 3 tons. Similar to a whole-house cleanout but smaller. Finished-basement demolition adds drywall and framing, which roughly doubles the weight.
- What can I put in it?
- Typically stored goods, old furniture, drywall and framing, carpet. Water-damaged material is much heavier than dry. Wet carpet and drywall can double what you estimated.
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