A 20-yard dumpster is the most common choice for home renovation projects in Memphis, handling debris from kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, flooring removal, and mid-size demolition work. Choosing the right size and understanding local placement rules helps you manage waste efficiently and stay on budget. Pricing varies by container size, rental period, debris type, and delivery location, so calling for an exact quote is always the best starting point.
What Size Dumpster Do You Need for a Home Renovation?
The right container depends on the scope of your project. Here is a general guide to the four sizes available from Coast to Coast Disposal in Memphis:
- 10-yard: Small bathroom remodels, single-room flooring removal, minor cleanouts.
- 20-yard: Full kitchen renovations, deck removals, multi-room remodels.
- 30-yard: Whole-house flooring replacement, major demolition, exterior siding projects.
- 40-yard: Large-scale structural work and commercial-volume debris.
These are typical ranges that vary by project. Each rental includes a set weight allowance; exceeding it adds a per-ton charge. Confirm the allowance for your chosen container when you book. If you are unsure which size fits your project, the dumpster size guide for Memphis walks through common renovation scenarios in detail.
How Much Does a Home Renovation Dumpster Cost in Memphis?
Cost is driven by four factors: container size, rental period, debris type, and delivery location. The price ranges above reflect typical projects. Heavy materials such as concrete, brick, and tile add weight quickly and can push a load over the included allowance, resulting in overage charges. Call (901) 389-2474 for an exact quote based on your specific project.
Booking in advance is advisable during peak construction season, roughly spring through early fall, when container availability tightens across the Memphis area.
Where Should You Place the Dumpster?
A flat, stable surface with enough straight-line clearance for the delivery truck is required. Most driveways work well. Place plywood boards under the container to protect asphalt or concrete from surface marks. Avoid placing containers on grass during wet weather, as heavy loads can sink into saturated soil.
Do You Need a Permit for a Dumpster in Memphis?
Placement on private property such as a driveway or side yard does not require a permit. If the container will sit in the public right-of-way or block a traffic lane, a permit from the Memphis Public Works Division is required. Check HOA bylaws as well, since some neighborhoods have rules about dumpster visibility, placement duration, or screening.
What Can You Put in a Renovation Dumpster?
Accepted materials include drywall, lumber, flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, siding, windows, doors, and general non-hazardous construction debris. Mixed renovation waste can go in together, so sorting is not usually necessary. If you are planning a house cleanout alongside your renovation, most household items can go in the same container as long as they are not on the prohibited list.
Scrap metal such as appliances, copper piping, and aluminum siding is accepted. Separating clean scrap metal before loading may reduce the volume you need to dispose of, since some local recycling options accept it.
What Materials Are Prohibited?
Tennessee regulations prohibit hazardous materials in construction dumpsters. Do not load:
- Paint, solvents, or pesticides
- Asbestos-containing materials
- Batteries and electronics
- Tires
- Refrigerators, freezers, or air conditioners (require refrigerant recovery before disposal)
- Mattresses and box springs (subject to additional handling fees)
For hazardous materials that cannot go in a dumpster, the Shelby County Household Hazardous Waste Facility accepts items prohibited from roll-off containers at no charge to residents.
Ready to get started? Call (901) 389-2474 for same-day delivery and flat-rate pricing on your Memphis renovation project.
How Long Can You Keep a Renovation Dumpster?
Rental periods vary by project and provider. Confirm your rental length when booking. Single-room renovations often wrap up in less than a week, while whole-house projects may take longer. Schedule delivery at the start of the demolition phase, when debris generation is highest. If your project runs long due to weather or unexpected work, contact Coast to Coast Disposal before your scheduled pickup to discuss an extension.
Memphis street permits for right-of-way placements have their own time limits set by the city. Confirm current requirements with the Memphis Public Works Division when applying.
For projects in nearby suburbs, Coast to Coast Disposal also serves Bartlett and Germantown, with the same size options and straightforward pricing.
How to Maximize Space in Your Dumpster
Breaking down materials before loading is the single most effective way to get more into a container. Disassemble cabinets, cut lumber into manageable sections, and flatten cardboard. Load heavy, dense items first and fill gaps with lighter material like insulation. Fill corners and edges evenly rather than piling in the center.
Never load above the fill line marked on the container sides. Overloaded dumpsters cannot be transported legally and will require repacking before pickup.
For projects producing a mix of heavy debris (tile, concrete) and light bulky material (lumber, drywall), talk to Coast to Coast Disposal about the right size or sequencing strategy. Sometimes two smaller pickups cost less than overage charges on one overloaded container. You can also read more about same-day dumpster rental in Memphis if your project timeline is tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put appliances in my renovation dumpster?
Most appliances are accepted. The exception is anything containing refrigerants, including refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners, which require special handling before disposal. Washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers can go in a standard renovation dumpster.
What happens if my dumpster is too full to be picked up?
A container loaded above the fill line cannot be transported safely or legally. You will need to remove material down to the fill line before pickup can happen. Plan load height carefully throughout your rental period to avoid delays.
How much notice do I need to schedule delivery?
Same-day delivery is available for most Memphis locations when you call before noon. During busy seasons, a few days of advance notice helps secure your preferred date. Call (901) 389-2474 to check availability.
Can I move the dumpster after it has been delivered?
No. Once a container is placed, it should stay in that spot for the duration of the rental. Moving a loaded dumpster can damage property and may violate the rental agreement. Plan your placement location carefully before delivery day.
What if my renovation takes longer than expected?
Contact Coast to Coast Disposal before your scheduled pickup date to arrange an extension. Rental periods vary, so confirm extension terms when you book to avoid surprises.
Written by Julie Cronen, Co-Founder, Coast to Coast Disposal. Updated March 2026.
