What size dumpster for a kitchen remodel?

A kitchen remodel makes more debris than most homeowners expect. Old cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, drywall, and a few appliances add up fast. The good news is that for the vast majority of kitchen jobs in and around Huntsville, one 15-yard dump trailer does the whole thing. Here's how to be sure before you book.

The short answer for most kitchens

For a standard kitchen remodel, a 15-yard dumpster is the right call. That covers cabinet tear-out, countertops, backsplash tile, old flooring, some drywall, and packaging from the new stuff. Our 15-yard trailer comes with 7 days and 2 tons included, which lines up well with how a typical remodel runs: demo happens over a few days, then debris trickles in as the new install goes up.

You'd only need to size up or add a second haul if you're gutting down to the studs across a large kitchen, tearing out a lot of tile or plaster, or combining the kitchen with other rooms in the same project. If you're not sure where your job lands, our Huntsville project size guide walks through it by volume.

What kitchen debris actually weighs

Volume fills the trailer, but weight is what causes surprise fees. Kitchen debris is a mix of light and heavy, and the heavy stuff sneaks up on you. A few things to keep in mind:

• Cabinets are bulky but fairly light. They eat up space fast without adding much weight.
• Countertops are the heavy hitters. Granite, quartz, and tile counters can weigh hundreds of pounds on their own.
• Tile, mortar, and backer board are dense. A backsplash is fine, but a large tile floor adds real tonnage.
• Drywall is heavier than it looks once you stack a room's worth.
• Old appliances take up room, though we handle those differently (see below).

The 2 tons included with a 15-yard covers most kitchen remodels comfortably. If your job is heavy on stone counters and tile floor, that's where weight math matters. We broke down what a ton actually looks like in this post on the 15-yard weight limit so you can eyeball it before demo day.

How to load a kitchen remodel efficiently

A dump trailer sits low to the ground, so you walk debris in instead of heaving it over a tall wall. That alone makes a kitchen job easier. To get the most out of the space:

• Break down cabinets. Knock the boxes apart and stack them flat instead of tossing them in whole.
• Put heavy, dense material like tile and counters low and spread out, not piled in one corner.
• Fill gaps with drywall scraps and packaging so you're not hauling air.
• Load as you go rather than letting piles build up in the driveway and yard.

Because your remodel probably runs longer than demo itself, the 7-day window helps. If your project stretches out with backordered counters or a slow install, you can ask about extra days. We cover how that works in rental periods explained.

What can and can't go in

Most kitchen debris is fine: cabinets, counters, tile, flooring, drywall, wood trim, and general construction junk. The items that need special handling are the ones that show up in a lot of kitchens.

• Refrigerators and anything with refrigerant (like a wine fridge) usually need the refrigerant removed first. Ask us before you toss one.
• Paint and finishes should be dried out or handled separately, not poured in liquid.
• Some appliances and electronics have disposal rules. Give us a heads up and we'll tell you what works.

When in doubt, check our full rundown on what can and can't go in a dumpster. A quick text before you load something questionable saves everyone a hassle.

Driveway fit and delivery

Our trailers are built to fit in a normal residential driveway, which is the whole point for a homeowner remodel. You keep the debris close to the work and you don't need a permit for a private driveway in most cases. We serve Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Athens, and the Shoals, so wherever your kitchen is, delivery is straightforward.

To keep your driveway clean, we lay down protection and place the trailer carefully. A little prep on your end helps too. Here's how to prep your driveway for delivery. When you're ready, you can book online or check current rates on our pricing page.

Frequently asked questions