Quick Summary
A late-season storm can leave a yard in Theodore or Tillman's Corner covered in limbs, shingles and broken fencing. Most of that can go straight into a roll-off dumpster. A short list of items cannot, and knowing the difference before you start loading saves a charge on the bill and a second trip.
Storm debris that can go in
A roll-off dumpster takes almost everything a storm knocks loose from a house or a yard. If it came off the roof, out of the walls or down from the trees, it can usually go in the container.
- Tree limbs, branches and brush
- Shingles, underlayment and roof decking
- Siding, soffit and gutters
- Wet drywall, insulation and carpet
- Fence panels, posts and gates
- Damaged furniture and household contents
- Broken outdoor furniture, play sets and sheds
What has to stay out
Hazardous materials, liquids, flammable items and certain electronics are not allowed. After a storm that usually means gas cans from the generator or chainsaw, propane tanks, paint, pool chemicals, motor oil and car batteries. Keep those in a separate spot and take them to a household hazardous waste drop-off.
Putting a prohibited item in the dumpster can add a charge to the bill. It is worth one last walk around the container before pickup to pull anything that slipped in.
Appliances are worth a question before they go in. A refrigerator or freezer that sat without power after a storm is a common cleanup item, but units with refrigerant or spoiled food inside need different handling. Call before you load one so it does not hold up the pickup.
Loading storm debris so it fits
Storm debris is awkward. Limbs stick out, fence panels stand on end, and soaked carpet weighs far more than it looks. Cut limbs into short lengths and lay them flat. Break fence panels down. Put heavy, flat material like shingles and drywall on the bottom, then fill the gaps with bulkier items.
Keep everything at or below the top rim. A container that is piled above the rim cannot be hauled safely and may have to be unloaded before pickup.
Picking a size for fall storm cleanup
A 10-yard dumpster is 14 feet long and handles a fence line, a few large limbs and a room of soaked flooring. A 15-yard is the common pick when part of the roof and some yard debris are going in together. A 20-yard handles a full roof replacement or a property with a lot of downed trees. For a large lot or several houses cleaning up together, a 30-yard is also available.
Weight matters as much as space, especially with wet material. Each size has a weight allowance, and going over it adds a charge. If a lot of shingles or soaked drywall are going in, size up.
Placing the dumpster after a storm
Put the container on a driveway or another hard surface. Yards in south Mobile County hold water after heavy rain, and a loaded roll-off on soft ground is hard to pick up and can leave ruts. On your own property you usually do not need a permit, but the street or right-of-way often requires one.
Clear limbs and debris from the driveway and look for low lines or hanging branches over the drop spot before the truck arrives.
If neighbors on the same street are cleaning up too, it can make sense to share one larger container. Agree up front on who is loading what, and keep hazardous items out of the shared pile, since a prohibited item adds a charge no matter who put it in.
Getting a dumpster in Theodore or Tillman's Corner
The Dumpster Guy Mobile covers south Mobile County, with storm cleanups in Theodore and roll-offs down to Tillman's Corner. Rental terms and the weight allowance for each size are on the dumpster rental prices page. Call 251-415-4545 to schedule a drop-off.
Key Takeaways
- Limbs, shingles, siding, fencing, drywall and soaked furniture can all go in a roll-off.
- Gas cans, propane, paint, chemicals, oil and batteries must stay out.
- Cut and flatten storm debris, and keep it below the top rim.
- Wet material is heavy, so size up for shingles and soaked drywall.
- Place the container on a hard surface, not a soaked yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put tree limbs in a roll-off dumpster?
Yes. Limbs, branches and brush can go in. Cut them short and lay them flat so they fit.
Can a gas can or propane tank go in the dumpster?
No. Fuel, propane and other flammable or hazardous items are not allowed. Take them to a household hazardous waste drop-off.
What size dumpster do I need for storm debris?
A 10-yard handles a fence line and some limbs. A 15-yard covers part of a roof plus yard debris. A 20-yard or 30-yard handles a full roof or a lot full of downed trees.
