Tips for Managing Waste During Home Renovations

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Whether you’re a contractor managing a renovation or a homeowner undertaking a project yourself, planning ahead for waste removal can help keep your space organized and your project on schedule. Home improvement can be stressful, but dealing with waste doesn’t have to be. At Interstate Waste Services, we can help you manage your refuse, so you can focus on the task at hand.

Estimating the Amount of Material Generated
Before breaking out any tools, your first step should be estimating the amount of debris your project will produce. The amount of waste can vary depending on the scope of the project, but for most renovations a roll-off dumpster will be the most convenient way to keep waste contained and your workspace clean.

Choosing the Right Container Size
IWS offers open-top roll-off dumpsters in three sizes: 10-, 20-, and 30- cubic yards. Each is designed to handle different project scopes.

10 Yard (8’ W x 4’ H x 12’ L)

The perfect size for garage and basement cleanouts or small remodeling projects.

20 Yard (8’ W x 4’ H x 22’ L)

Typically used for larger cleanouts or medium-sized improvement projects.

30 Yard (8’ W x 6’ H x 22’ L)

Ideal for full-house cleanouts and larger home remodeling projects.

Roll-off containers are designed to handle construction and demolition (C&D) debris, bulky household items, and yard waste. IWS offers flexible rental periods to match your timeline. Small projects typically take a few days to weeks of service, while larger renovations could take months. If your dumpster will be placed on a public street or other public area, be sure to check with your town to see if a permit is required.

What Can and Can’t Go in a Dumpster
Most of the debris from your renovation can be dumped straight into your IWS roll-off dumpster. IWS is uniquely equipped to handle construction & demolition debris through our C & D recycling program supported by our Newark Material Recovery Facility.

However, some materials require special handling and should NOT be placed in a dumpster, including:

  • Tires
  • Dirt
  • Liquids
  • Car Parts
  • Compressed Air/ Propane / Gas Tanks
  • Paint Cans
  • Batteries
  • Equipment with Gas or Oil Still Inside
  • Medical Waste
  • Hazardous Materials

If you’re unsure about an item, contact us at 1-866-DIAL-IWS for more guidance.

If your renovation includes cabinets, appliances, fixtures, or hardware that are still in good condition, consider donating them to local charities and reuse organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. Reusing materials at home or donating them helps reduce waste while giving usable items a second life.

Bulk Pickup
If you need to dispose a large household item – such as furniture, carpeting, household appliances, mattresses, treadmills, bicycles, etc. – you can simply schedule a bulk pickup. Bulk pickups can be conveniently requested using MyIWS, the secure self-service portal for customers of Interstate Waste Services and Action Carting.

Keep Your Project on Schedule
A little planning goes a long way. Estimating debris, choosing the right container size, and understanding what can and can’t be disposed of will help your project run smoothly. With a comprehensive plan in place, you can focus on your renovation while IWS handles the rest.