Volume and Weight Are Different
The most common booking mistake is judging a dumpster by how full it looks. A container can fill by volume before it gets heavy, or get heavy long before it looks full. Bulky-but-light material runs out of space first; dense material runs out of weight first. Knowing which one your project is determines the size you need and whether you will see an overage. Every standard FTH rental includes one ton (2,000 lb); weight over that is billed at the posted prorated rate.
Light, Bulky Material (Fills Space First)
These items eat room without adding much weight, so plan by volume:
- Sofas, recliners, and upholstered furniture
- Mattresses and box springs
- Plastic bins, toys, and bagged household clutter
- Empty cabinets and shelving
Break items down when it is safe and load flat pieces first so you do not waste the air inside them.
Dense, Heavy Material (Hits the Ton First)
These reach the included ton faster than people expect, often before the container looks half full:
- Roofing shingles and tile
- Wet carpet and wet drywall
- Cabinets, flooring, and dense remodeling debris
- Books, files, and tools
Spread heavy material low and across the floor, and read the weight guide for typical per-item weights before you load.
Rain Changes Everything
Absorbent debris can gain hundreds of pounds in a single storm. Carpet, padding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, cardboard, clothing, drywall, insulation, and yard debris should be kept covered until loading when practical. A load that was under a ton dry can tip over it soaked.
When to Call Before Booking
Call FTH first if the project includes roofing, TPO, insulation, gravel ballast, tile, wet debris, dense demolition material, a commercial cleanout, unusually heavy boxes, or mixed material that may be restricted. A two-minute call about weight is cheaper than an overage or a refused load.
The Scale Ticket Is the Final Answer
The disposal facility's weight ticket sets the official disposal weight — not an eyeball estimate. FTH includes one ton with standard rentals and bills only the actual weight over that, prorated. To plan the rest of your cost, see the cost guide or current prices.