Do Roll-off Dumpsters Have a Weight Limit?
When renting a dumpster, most people inquire about its size. That is to say, rather than knowing how “big” or “small” the dumpster is, it is their overall volume that is important. You want to know how much trash a dumpster can hold without overflowing or how many days it can go without being emptied. But believe it or not, for roll-off dumpsters, volume is not as important as you might think. If anything, it is the weight limit that sets roll-off dumpsters apart from others.
Depending on why you need the dumpster and what waste material you’re discarding, the weight limit for the dumpster can vary, especially based on its size. To find out what the average weight limit of a roll-off dumpster is and how it is calculated, keep reading this blog.
Why Do Roll-off Dumpsters Have Weight Limits?
Roll-off dumpsters are commonly used at construction sites, where the machinery and trash are all extremely heavy. Plus, with rental dumpsters, carrying the load from one place to another can be incredibly taxing. It can wear the truck out, especially if stuck in traffic. Not to mention, if overloaded, the weight could very well affect the road, leading to cracks and fissures. Or, in the worst-case scenario, a roadside accident.
Nevertheless, to avoid such horrible incidents, most states have established laws and regulations for heavy trucks with an additional fee to pay back for damages. This prevents trucking companies from carrying overweight materials, be it from day-old dumpsters or fresh off the factory belt.
How is the Weight Limit of a Roll-off Dumpster Calculated?
Most rental dumpster companies have a properly detailed procedure for weighing their dumpsters and trucks to ensure nothing is too out of the ordinary. This calculation takes place after the pickup is done, at the landfill, so that a proper estimate can be derived. Here are some steps that are taken to ensure that a roll-off dumpster weighs according to its limit and not more.
- When the truck arrives at the landfill site, it places the dumpster on a large scale, weighing it carefully.
- Once the weight is noted, along with the trash inside the dumpster, it is all emptied out into the landfill.
- The empty dumpster is then weighed again to see the difference and find out the total weight of the trash load.
Ultimately, by subtracting the first weight (with the trash) from the second weight (empty dumpster), you can get the answer to the exact weight of the trash. Additionally, it is essential to note that even if a dumpster is made with the sole purpose of carrying heavy weight, the size and limit vary. A big roll-off dumpster will obviously have more freedom in terms of weight, whereas a smaller dumpster will be restricted.
Weight Limit of Roll-off Dumpsters
Every dumpster has a different limit according to its overall size and volume. Here are some of the most common roll-off dumpster sizes and the weight limit they are allowed to carry:
- 10 Yard Dumpsters —- 4,000 lbs (2 tons)
- 15 Yard Dumpsters —- 4,000 lbs (2 tons)
- 20 Yard Dumpsters —- 4,000 to 6,000 lbs (2 to 3 tons)
- 30 Yard Dumpsters —- 6,000 lbs (3 tons)
- 40 Yard Dumpsters —- 8,000 lbs (4 tons)
Long Story Short
All in all, the weight limit of a roll-off dumpster is calculated according to its size and volume. For more information on rental dumpsters, contact Waste Solutions USA at (832) 808-4755.