Attic Cleanout Dumpster Size Guide: Insulation & Storage Removal
Attic cleanouts involve unique challenges from insulation removal to decades of stored items. Learn how to calculate the right dumpster size based on attic square footage, insulation type, and stored belongings.
Attic Cleanout Quick Guide
Types of Attic Debris
Insulation Materials
- Blown-in cellulose: High volume, lightweight
- Fiberglass batts: Bulky but compressible
- Rock wool: Heavy and dense
- Vermiculite: May contain asbestos (special handling)
- Spray foam: Must be cut/scraped out
Stored Items
- Holiday decorations: Boxes and containers
- Furniture: Chairs, tables, dressers
- Clothing and textiles: Out-of-season items
- Documents and books: Old records and papers
- Sports equipment: Seasonal gear
Hazardous Materials Warning
Test before removal: Vermiculite insulation installed before 1990 may contain asbestos. Have professional testing done before disturbing. Some old electrical wiring may also contain hazardous materials.
Dumpster Sizing by Attic Type
10-Yard: Small Storage Attics
Perfect For:
- Small homes (800-1,200 sq ft attic)
- Storage-only cleanouts
- Minimal or no insulation removal
- Apartment or condo attic spaces
Typical Contents:
- 20-30 boxes of stored items
- Small furniture pieces
- Holiday decorations
- Clothing and household textiles
15-Yard: Medium Attic Cleanouts
Perfect For:
- Medium homes (1,200-2,000 sq ft attic)
- Storage plus partial insulation removal
- Decades of accumulated items
- Preparation for insulation upgrade
Typical Contents:
- 40-60 boxes and containers
- Medium furniture and appliances
- Partial insulation removal
- Old building materials
20-Yard: Large Attic Overhauls
Perfect For:
- Large homes (2,000+ sq ft attic)
- Complete insulation replacement
- Multi-generational storage clearance
- Structural renovation preparation
Typical Contents:
- Complete insulation system
- 80+ boxes and stored items
- Large furniture and equipment
- Old HVAC components
Insulation Removal Considerations
Volume by Insulation Type
| Insulation Type | Volume per 1000 sq ft | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Blown-in cellulose | 4-6 cubic yards | High volume, compacts well |
| Fiberglass batts | 2-4 cubic yards | Compressible, wear protection |
| Rock wool | 3-5 cubic yards | Heavy, requires dust masks |
| Spray foam | 1-3 cubic yards | Must be cut/scraped, dense |
| Vermiculite | Professional only | May contain asbestos |
Pro Tip: Compression Factor
Insulation compacts significantly when loaded into dumpsters. Factor in 30-50% compression when calculating volume needs. Blown-in insulation compresses most, while spray foam compresses least.
Cost Breakdown & Money-Saving Tips
Typical Rental Costs
- 10-yard: $250-$400 (3-5 days)
- 15-yard: $350-$500 (3-5 days)
- 20-yard: $400-$600 (5-7 days)
- *Prices vary by location and season
Money-Saving Strategies
- Plan cleanout during off-peak seasons
- Donate usable items before disposal
- Separate recyclable materials
- Load efficiently to maximize space
- Bundle with other home projects
What Affects Pricing
Location Factors
- • Urban vs rural areas
- • Local disposal fees
- • Permit requirements
Seasonal Factors
- • Spring cleaning season
- • Moving season (summer)
- • Holiday preparation
Material Factors
- • Weight limitations
- • Special disposal needs
- • Prohibited materials
Attic Safety & Disposal Guidelines
✅ Safe for Dumpsters
- Most insulation types (fiberglass, cellulose)
- Cardboard boxes and paper
- Old furniture and household items
- Clothing and textiles
- Non-electronic decorations
- Wood materials and lumber
- Small appliances (non-refrigerated)
❌ Requires Special Disposal
- Vermiculite insulation (asbestos risk)
- Electronics and batteries
- Paint cans and chemicals
- Fluorescent light fixtures
- Refrigerators and AC units
- Propane tanks
- Tires and automotive fluids
Safety First
Essential protective gear for attic cleanouts:
- N95 masks or respirators (dust and fibers)
- Long sleeves and pants (insulation protection)
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Proper footwear with good traction
- Headlamp or flashlight for visibility
Planning Your Attic Cleanout
Pre-Cleanout Checklist
Before You Start
- Test for asbestos if home built before 1990
- Turn off power to attic area
- Check for pest issues
- Assess structural integrity
- Plan access route for debris removal
Sorting Strategy
- Keep, donate, discard piles
- Separate recyclable materials
- Identify hazardous materials
- Box valuable items properly
- Photo inventory before disposal
Efficient Loading Tips
Heavy Items First
Load furniture and dense materials at the bottom to create a stable base.
Fill Gaps
Use smaller items and insulation to fill spaces between larger objects.
Level Loading
Keep materials level with dumpster walls to maximize allowable volume.
Real Project Examples
Case Study: 1,500 sq ft Ranch Home
Project: Complete attic cleanout with partial insulation removal
Contents Removed:
- • 45 boxes of stored items
- • Old bedroom furniture set
- • 30% of blown-in insulation
- • Holiday decorations (20+ years)
Result:
- • 15-yard dumpster used
- • 85% capacity utilized
- • Total cost: $425
- • 2-day rental period
Case Study: 2,400 sq ft Colonial
Project: Full insulation replacement and storage clearance
Contents Removed:
- • Complete fiberglass insulation system
- • 80+ boxes accumulated over decades
- • Large furniture pieces
- • Old HVAC ductwork sections
Result:
- • 20-yard dumpster used
- • 95% capacity utilized
- • Total cost: $575
- • 5-day rental period
Conclusion
Attic cleanouts require careful planning to handle both stored belongings and insulation materials effectively. The key is honest assessment of your attic contents, understanding insulation volume requirements, and choosing a dumpster size that accommodates compression factors.
Most homeowners find that a 15-yard dumpster handles typical attic cleanouts perfectly, while larger homes or complete insulation replacements may require a 20-yard container. Remember to factor in safety considerations and proper disposal requirements for optimal results.
Pro tip: It's better to get a slightly larger dumpster than to pay overage fees or rent a second container. Most companies offer flexible sizing and will help you choose the right option.
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Calculate Perfect Size →Last updated: January 15, 2025 | Written by the Dumpster Calculator Team