Dumpster Safety Tips Every Construction Crew Should Follow
Improper dumpster use on job sites can lead to serious injuries—these expert-backed safety practices help reduce risks, protect workers, and keep construction waste management OSHA-compliant.
- By Chris Picciano
- Jul 09, 2025
Construction crews at a job site generate a large amount of material. No construction project can proceed without a dumpster that is large enough to handle that waste. Crew members dispose of tons of materials, ranging from stone and dirt to metal of various sizes and shapes. Because of the weight and variety of materials thrown into dumpsters, it’s essential they be disposed of safely. Improper waste disposal increases risks for construction workers and waste transport professionals who carry the debris to a landfill. Here are a few tips to ensure you are disposing of construction site waste properly.
Know the size of the dumpster you need
The most common safety mistake construction crews make is overfilling a dumpster that is too small or not renting enough dumpsters. Doing this risks material falling out of the dumpster and onto crew members. It also risks breaking the dumpster or the truck that the dumpster is loaded on. If a rental company doesn’t do their job and doesn’t notice the dumpster is overloaded, they could put themselves or other drivers on the road at risk.
Dumpster rental companies typically offer dumpsters ranging from 10 to 40 yards. A 15-yard dumpster can hold up to five tons of waste and is usually suitable for small construction jobs. Most construction crews will need a 40-yard dumpster, which can hold up to 10 tons of waste. This is the safest choice for many construction crews because they often dispose of heavy materials such as stone, rebar, concrete, asphalt, and metal. You need a dumpster that can handle all that weight. Overfilling any dumpster is risky, but you can reduce that risk by choosing the right size dumpster for the job. It's also better to be safe than sorry. If you think you need larger dumpsters, it's better to rent one instead of getting a smaller one that could be overfilled.
Create a safe entrance and exit
Safe waste disposal means crews can easily enter and exit the dumpster without difficulty. This involves ensuring each dumpster has a ramp at the door. It also requires that crews have multiple wheelbarrows and dollies to safely load and unload heavy materials. If crews are using a skid steer or backhoe, it is crucial that the waste is disposed of via the side of the dumpster and spread evenly. Construction crews must clear the area of the dumpster before any construction vehicle approaches.
Most dumpsters also come with a ladder attached. It is important to note that construction crews should avoid using this ladder to dispose of waste. It is exclusively for the disposal driver's use to inspect the dumpster and ensure it can be safely loaded onto their truck.
Evenly dispose of waste
When it comes to challenging work, people often choose the easiest path. This results in construction crews disposing of waste on the side of the dumpster closest to them. Heavy gravel and dirt are placed on one side, while lighter materials are stored on the other, creating an uneven dumpster. An uneven dumpster is prone to tipping over when loaded onto the waste disposal truck. This poses a serious safety risk to everyone. Materials should be disposed of evenly across the dumpster. Heavy items should be loaded first, with lighter materials placed on top. Make sure all materials are distributed evenly. To check if the dumpster is level, walk around it and tap each side with an open hand. If one side sounds solid and other sounds hollow, the dumpster is uneven. If the dumpster is uneven, you will need to unload part of it and level out the hollow-sounding side. Have someone inspect the dumpster while loading to prevent uneven distribution.
Tarp the dumpster and leave nothing sticking out
After loading the dumpster, it is crucial to cover the top with a tarp and make sure no objects stick out. Construction sites often leave materials like 2x4s and rebar protruding. If these items are sticking out of the dumpster, they must be cut down or removed. The construction company is responsible for this; the rental company will not do it for you. The tarp must be flush with the top rail of the dumpster.
Construction crews dispose of a lot of material that can be hazardous to themselves and others if not disposed of properly in a dumpster. Know the size of the dumpster you need, create a safe entrance and exit when disposing of materials, evenly distribute waste, and cover the top of your dumpster with a tarp. Follow these steps to ensure you are disposing of construction material safely.