Kitchen Remodel Dumpster Rental Guide: Cabinets, Countertops, Flooring, and Appliance Plan

Kitchen remodels create more waste than most homeowners expect. Cabinets look manageable until stacked. Countertops weigh far more than their size suggests. Understanding debris types, weight concerns, and proper dumpster sizing prevents costly surprises.

This guide breaks down kitchen demo debris and helps you select the right dumpster size.

Why Kitchen Remodeling Waste Adds Up Fast

Cabinets dominate dumpster space. Upper and lower units plus island bases create dense, bulky loads that do not compress well.

Countertops can be extremely heavy. Granite and quartz weigh 15 to 20 pounds per square foot. A 10-foot section weighs 150 to 250 pounds.

Flooring and underlayment stack deep. Tile, mortar, and cement board create heavy layers. Each material adds volume faster than expected.

Older kitchens often have hidden layers. You find three previous tile installations underneath. Water damage reveals moldy drywall. These discoveries double your waste volume.

Kitchen Demo Debris Breakdown

Cabinets and storage

Upper cabinets come down first. Most kitchens have 8 to 12 cabinet boxes. Lower cabinets, corner units, and pantry storage follow. Island bases add significant bulk. Trim and toe kicks fill gaps in your load.

Countertops and backsplash

Laminate breaks into sections easily. Granite and quartz require cutting before removal. Backsplash tile comes off with the backer board attached. Sink removal adds another fixture.

Flooring

Tile floors produce the heaviest debris per square foot. Ceramic weighs 4 to 6 pounds per square foot. Hardwood, vinyl, and carpet take up volume but weigh less. Underlayment adds another layer.

Miscellaneous

Drywall patches happen during most remodels. Lighting fixtures, old shelves, and removed framing all contribute to debris totals.

Heavy Materials to Plan For

Stone countertops surprise homeowners. A typical L-shaped granite counter weighs 300 to 500 pounds. Tile floors add serious weight. A 150-square-foot kitchen produces 600 to 900 pounds of tile debris.

Multiple cabinet layers happen in older homes. Previous remodels left old cabinets behind new ones. Wet or moldy drywall multiplies normal weight. Water damage can make drywall weigh three times as much.

Weight is usually the surprise, not volume. You fill a dumpster to 60% capacity and exceed the weight limit. Stone and tile drive weight up while leaving space empty.

"Kitchen remodels catch people off guard with weight more than anything else," says Adnan Isic, owner of Dumpster King in Ankeny. "Granite counters and tile floors add up fast. We talk through materials with customers to make sure they get the right size and stay under weight limits."

Best Dumpster Rental Sizes for Kitchen Remodels

Cabinet swap and minor floor work

A 15-yard dumpster works for cabinet replacement and limited flooring. You remove cabinets and replace vinyl or laminate flooring. Examples include cabinet refreshes and countertop swaps.

Full kitchen gut remodel

A 20-yard dumpster handles most complete kitchen renovations. This accommodates cabinet removal, countertop demolition, tile floor removal, and backsplash tear-out. Standard kitchens fit perfectly in this size.

Kitchen plus dining or open concept tear out

A 30-yard dumpster fits expanded projects. Wall removal between rooms, two-kitchen remodels, and large kitchens with extensive cabinetry need this capacity.

What About Appliances?

Appliances require special planning. Refrigerators and freezers contain refrigerants needing proper handling. Dumpster King charges $50 per appliance for items needing special disposal.

Stoves and dishwashers usually go in dumpsters without extra charges. Confirm before loading. "We would rather know about appliances before delivery than discover them at pickup," says Adnan Isic. "A quick call helps us guide you on what works."

How to Load Cabinets and Countertops Efficiently

Flatten cabinets when possible. Remove doors and break boxes into smaller pieces. Break countertops into smaller pieces safely. Stone requires proper tools.

Load heavy items first. Place stone and tile on the bottom. Pack voids with lighter debris. Use drywall and trim to fill gaps. Keep the top clear for safe pickup.

Kitchen Remodel Dumpster Placement Tips

Place close to the demo exit. Shorter carries save time. Clear overhead space. Check for power lines and tree branches. Think about truck access. Tight driveways may limit options. Protect surfaces if needed. Place plywood under dumpsters on asphalt in hot weather.

Remodel Timeline and Dumpster Scheduling

Deliver before the demo starts. Order 1 to 2 days ahead. Dumpster King offers same-day delivery when you call early.

Keep on site through the flooring phase. Standard seven-day rentals cover demolition and reconstruction. Pick up when the kitchen is clean and swept. Complete all debris removal before scheduling pickup.

Ready to Start Your Kitchen Remodel Cleanup?

Dumpster King makes kitchen remodel dumpster rental simple for Central Iowa homeowners. Call (515) 988-2454 or book online for fast delivery to Ankeny, Des Moines, and surrounding areas.

All dumpsters are driveway safe and include seven-day rentals. We handle kitchen demolition debris, including cabinets, countertops, flooring, and more. Get your kitchen project started with the right size delivered when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size dumpster do I need for a kitchen remodel?

A 20-yard dumpster is sufficient for most full kitchen remodels. This includes cabinet removal, countertop demolition, flooring tear-out, and backsplash removal. Cabinet swaps with minor flooring work fit in a 15-yard. Large kitchens with wall removal or multi-room projects need a 30-yard dumpster.

Can granite countertops go in a dumpster?

Yes, granite and other stone countertops go in dumpsters. Break them into smaller pieces before loading for easier handling and better space usage. Stone countertops add significant weight. A typical kitchen's worth of granite adds 300 to 500 pounds to your total load.

How do I dispose of old appliances?

Old appliances go in dumpsters with some considerations. Refrigerators and freezers require special handling and incur a $50 fee per appliance. Stoves and dishwashers usually load without extra charges. Call Dumpster King before your remodel to confirm appliance disposal plans.

What if my kitchen remodel includes tile floors?

Tile floors add substantial weight to your dumpster load. Plan for 6 to 10 pounds per square foot, including thin-set and cement board. A 150-square-foot kitchen floor produces 900 to 1,500 pounds of tile debris. Choose a 20-yard dumpster and monitor the total weight to stay under the included 2-ton limit.

How long can I keep the dumpster?

Standard rentals include seven days. Most kitchen demolitions are completed within this timeframe. Need extra time? Call Dumpster King to extend your rental for a daily rate. Complete your demo fully before scheduling pickup to avoid needing a second dumpster.

What items are not allowed in a kitchen remodel dumpster?

Paint, solvents, and liquid adhesives cannot go in dumpsters. Hazardous materials, such as chemicals and pesticides, require separate disposal. Batteries stay out. Take these items to your county hazardous waste facility. Most construction debris from kitchen loads goes without issue.

What is the fastest way to get a dumpster delivered?

Call (515) 988-2454 early in the morning for same-day delivery. Ankeny and the surrounding Central Iowa areas often qualify for same-day service. You can also book online at dumpsterkingllc.com. Standard delivery schedules are 1 to 2 days out. Plan ahead for weekend projects by ordering on Friday.