Demolition projects produce waste. How you get rid of that waste is where the real challenge is. If you are working a small project that only produces a handful of timbers and some drywall, you might be able to put the waste out with your weekly trash. Anything more and you will need either a dumpster or demolition tarp.
Dumpsters and demo tarps are the best means of disposal when you’re working on full room demolitions. For example, you might be remodeling your kitchen from floor to ceiling. Between the old cabinets, countertops, and all the timber and drywall, your weekly trash pickup is not going to be adequate.
If you run a construction company specializing in remodeling projects, you will not get away with the weekly trash haul either. So the question becomes one of dumpster versus demo tarp. Which one is right for you?
Yardage vs. Weight
One of the key differences between dumpsters and demolition tarps is how capacity is measured. Dumpster capacity is measured in cubic yards or feet. It is pretty simple. Dumpster providers measure the amount of empty space inside a unit and call that the capacity. They don’t worry much about weight for the most part.
Demolition tarps, on the other hand, are rated by weight. This is done out of necessity. Because a demo tarp lays flat on the ground, there’s no way to measure its capacity in cubic feet or yards. Moreover, a demolition tarps has to be lifted off the ground and loaded onto a truck. As such, the weight of the load is more important than its volume.
Things to Consider When Making Your Choice
Now that you know how dumpsters and demolition tarps are rated in terms of capacity, let’s talk about making the best choice for your needs. There are a few things to consider:
1. Waste Volume
Despite the fact that demolition tarps are rated by weight, you still have to consider volume. Let’s say you order a 10-yard dumpster. If the total volume of your demolition waste rises too high above the top of the dumpster, your provider may not be able to pick it up and carry it away. So when volume is a concern, demo tarps might be a better option.
2. Number of Uses
A dumpster is a single use product for your purposes. You are only going to rent a dumpster once on any given construction project. If you are a contractor and you prefer using dumpsters, you will have to arrange dumpster rental for every project.
On the other hand, a good demolition tarp can be used on multiple jobs. You just have to make sure you get the tarp back after the waste is hauled away. Or you may choose to dispose of your tarps along with the waste. In such cases you would have to compare the cost of a disposable demo tarp against that of dumpster rental.
Length of Use
The next consideration is the length of time you will be using your waste disposal solution. If demo is going to take several days, consider the weather. A dumpster will collect water and so may add to your disposal costs based on weight. You might also have to pay more for dumpster rental if you need it for more than a couple of days.
There are other considerations, including local ordinances and the amount of space you have to work with. At any rate, we believe demolition tarps are a better option in many cases. They may be the right option for you as well.
