Local Roll Off & Dumpster Rental in Salem, VA

A 30-yard roll-off container provides approximately 810 cubic feet of total capacity (30 cubic yards × 27 cubic feet per yard). This translates to roughly 22 feet length × 8 feet width × 6 feet height of usable interior space for debris placement, with slight variations between providers based on specific container design.

Practical capacity typically reaches about 85-90% of theoretical volume (approximately 690-730 cubic feet) due to loading inefficiencies, material voids, and uneven settling. Most providers prohibit loading materials above container sidewalls, further reducing practical capacity from mathematical calculations. For context, this volume accommodates approximately 12-15 standard pickup truck loads of typical household or construction debris.

Yes, standard containers implement weight restrictions for tree debris ranging from 2-3 tons for 10-yard containers to 4-6 tons for 30-yard containers. These limits address transportation safety requirements rather than container structural limitations, as green wood carries substantial weight relative to volume.

Fresh-cut tree materials typically weigh 350-500 pounds per cubic yard for leafy/branch materials and 700-900 pounds per cubic yard for trunk sections, meaning a 20-yard container filled with mixed tree debris approaches 5-6 tons. Many providers offer specialized “yard waste” containers with modified weight allowances better accommodating the density of fresh wood materials. Consider allowing smaller branches and leafy materials to dry for 3-5 days before loading when possible, substantially reducing overall weight.

Most jurisdictions don’t require individual disposal permits for residential quantities of uncontaminated soil (under 10 cubic yards). The container provider typically handles necessary documentation for standard clean fill disposal under their existing operational permits without requiring additional homeowner documentation.

For larger quantities or potentially contaminated soil (properties with known industrial history or fuel tank removal), some municipalities require soil testing before disposal authorization. These testing requirements typically involve basic environmental screens checking for petroleum products and common industrial contaminants. Most providers implement “clean fill” certification processes requiring customers to verify soil origin and absence of contamination without formal testing for standard residential quantities.

Yes, 20-yard containers efficiently handle roofing materials for standard residential projects generating 40-75 squares (4,000-7,500 square feet) of asphalt shingle waste. These containers provide optimal balance between capacity and structural specifications for concentrated roofing weight.

Load materials evenly across container floor rather than creating concentrated piles, distributing weight for transportation stability. Most providers recommend maintaining maximum debris height approximately 12-18 inches below container sidewalls for roofing materials specifically, allowing for potential material settling during transportation. For multi-layer tear-offs (homes with several roofing generations), consider 10-yard containers with multiple rotations rather than fully loading larger containers, as these projects frequently exceed weight allowances before reaching volume capacity.

A 20-yard container represents the optimal balance for typical foreclosure cleanouts, accommodating both interior abandoned household items and limited construction debris from basic repairs. This size efficiently handles contents from 1,500-2,000 square foot properties without requiring multiple container rotations for standard cleanouts.

For properties with significant mold remediation or water damage requiring substantial material removal, consider 30-yard containers accommodating both personal property and building material removal simultaneously. Most providers offer “property preservation” container programs with extended rental periods (14-21 days versus standard 7-day terms) specifically designed for foreclosure preparation requirements. These programs typically include flexible scheduling allowing on-site retention during multi-phase cleanup without premium charges for extended duration.

Small quantities of food remnants (refrigerator/pantry cleanout) are generally acceptable in construction containers as incidental waste during kitchen remodeling. However, substantial food waste quantities should be avoided as these materials can attract pests and create odor issues during standard rental periods.

For appliance cleanouts specifically, remove all liquids and loose food items before placing refrigerators or freezers into containers. Some municipalities implement specific food waste restrictions in construction containers, particularly in urban environments with rodent management programs. For substantial food quantities discovered during property cleanouts, consider separate disposal through standard residential waste channels rather than construction containers, as many providers implement additional charges for containers generating odor complaints from neighboring properties.