Whether you’re operating a restaurant in Manhattan, running a healthcare facility in the Bronx, or overseeing a construction project in Brooklyn, the right waste solution can help keep your operation cleaner, safer, and more efficient.
The right solution mostly depends on three things:
- the amount of waste you generate
- the type of waste you generate
- whether you need ongoing or temporary service
Depending on the volume of material generated, customers use totes, containers, or compactors. Totes work best for customers that generate small quantities, don’t have storage space for larger containers, and schedule frequent pick-ups. For businesses that have space to place larger containers or generate more waste, we offer containers with capacities ranging from 1 cu yard to 8 cu yards.
In this article, we will focus on large container service, that is roll-off dumpsters and compactors that are over 10 cu yards in capacity.
For businesses with permanent locations, waste and recycling collection is an ongoing service. Businesses that generate large volumes of waste often benefit from compactors, which compress material and allow for less frequent collection, cutting costs in the long run. Compactors can be customized but typically have 15-35 cu yard capacities.
For temporary projects such as construction, demolition, renovations, or clean-outs, open-top roll-off dumpsters provide a convenient and flexible way to manage large volumes and bulky material.
Action Carting provides compactors, roll-off dumpsters, recycling, and waste collection services throughout New York City. As the most awarded hauler and one of only five providers with a City-wide Containerized Zone award under NYC’s Commercial Waste Zones (CWZ) program, Action is authorized to provide large container (10 cubic yards and bigger) service across the five boroughs.
Temporary Waste Solutions: Roll-Off Dumpsters
While compactors, containers, and totes support ongoing waste and recycling programs, roll-off dumpsters are most often rented for project-based needs.
Roll-off dumpsters are perfect for temporary projects that generate large amounts of waste material. Service with roll-off is often flexible, and the container may be removed, emptied, and returned as needed until project completion.
Common uses for dumpsters include:
- Construction and demolition projects
- Residential renovations
- Tenant fit-outs
- Roofing projects
- Office or warehouse clean-outs
- Retail store remodels
- Community events
The right dumpster size depends on the volume of material generated, as well as site access and space constraints.
Common Dumpster Sizes
10-Yard Dumpsters
(12′ x 8′ x 4′)
Ideal for small renovations, community events, and tight NYC job sites with limited space.
20-Yard Dumpsters
(22′ x 8′ x 4′)
A versatile option for mid-sized remodeling projects, flooring removal, and office cleanouts.
30-Yard Dumpsters
(22′ x 8′ x 6′)
Well-suited for larger renovations and commercial construction projects generating larger debris volumes.
Action works with customers to determine the appropriate container size based on project scope, waste volume, and site conditions. Contact us for more info on the right container size for your needs.
What Can Go in a Roll-off Dumpster?
Most non-hazardous waste can be placed in a dumpster, including:
- Construction and demolition debris
- Wood, drywall, roofing materials, concrete, and asphalt
- Furniture, fixtures, and office equipment
- Packaging materials and cardboard
- Household items
- Non-hazardous general waste
Action is especially well-equipped to support construction and demolition projects through our comprehensive C&D (Construction & Demolition) debris recycling and recovery program. Materials collected from qualifying projects can be processed through Action’s Newark-based recycling facility, which was uniquely designed for construction & demolition debris. The facility is able to convert debris into recyclable commodities such as a wood-based renewable fuel that is used as an alternative to coal.
What Should NOT Go in a Roll-off Dumpster?
The following materials require specialized disposal and should never be placed in a standard dumpster:
- Dirt
- Liquids
- Car parts and tires
- Compressed air/propane/gas tanks
- Paint cans
- Batteries
- Equipment with gas or oil still inside
- Medical waste
- Any hazardous materials
If there’s uncertainty about a material, Action’s team can help identify the proper disposal method.
Ongoing Waste & Recycling Service: When Does a Compactor Make Sense?
All commercial properties generate waste and recycling that must be collected on an ongoing basis. For many businesses, standard containers or totes provide sufficient capacity. However, organizations that generate larger waste volumes may benefit from installing a compactor.
Compactors compress waste into a smaller footprint, allowing more material to fit inside the container before collection is required. This can help reduce pickup frequency, improve site cleanliness, and make better use of limited space.
Compactors are commonly used by:
- Retail centers
- Grocery stores
- Apartment complexes
- Restaurants
- Warehouses and distribution facilities
- Manufacturing operations
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Large office buildings
- Entertainment venues
A waste and recycling professional can evaluate a property’s waste generation levels and determine whether totes, containers, or a compactor are the most efficient solution.
Action recently expanded its capabilities with a custom fabrication shop where compactors can be built to customer specifications, allowing equipment to be tailored to a customer’s available space.
Choosing the Right Compactor Size
Compactors are available in a variety of sizes depending on the amount and type of waste being generated.
15- & 25-Yard Compactors
A popular option for mid-sized commercial properties, 15 and 25 yard compactors are often a good fit for:
- Restaurants and food service facilities
- Apartment buildings
- Grocery stores
- Retail centers
- Medium-sized office buildings
These compactors help reduce overflow issues by compressing large amounts of waste into a smaller footprint.
30- & 35-Yard Compactors
Larger compactors are commonly used for facilities generating significant ongoing waste volumes, including:
- Warehouses and logistics centers
- Manufacturing facilities
- Large retail operations
- Distribution hubs
- Large residential complexes
- Industrial operations
Need a custom-sized compactor? Action’s state-of-the-art welding and fabrication facility lets us custom-design, build, and install compaction equipment of any size to meet your specific needs.
What Can and Cannot Go in a Compactor?
Trash compactors can handle most non-hazardous, general waste, but the following materials should not be placed in compactors:
- Concrete or masonry debris
- Batteries
- Large metal objects
- Hazardous waste
- Liquids
- Flammable or explosive materials
Using the right equipment for the right waste stream helps improve safety, protect equipment, and maintain efficient operations.
A Reliable Partner for NYC Waste Solutions
Managing waste in New York City requires experience, dependable service, and a strong understanding of local regulations. With a city-wide CWZ large container award, advanced recycling capabilities, custom compactor fabrication, and extensive experience supporting commercial and C&D customers, Action Carting is a trusted partner throughout the five boroughs.
Whether you’re evaluating an ongoing waste and recycling program for a commercial property or need a roll-off dumpster for a short-term project, Action can help design a solution that fits your needs.