Bathroom Renovation — Tearing Out Tile, Tubs, and Vanities
Bathroom renovations are messy, compact projects that generate a surprising amount of heavy debris. Tile, mortar, cast iron tubs, marble vanity tops — it's all dense material that needs a dumpster built for weight, not just volume.
Quick Answer
A single bathroom renovation generates 3-5 cubic yards of debris including tile, mortar, vanities, tubs, and drywall. A 10 yard dumpster handles one bathroom; upgrade to a 20 yard for multi-bathroom projects. Cast iron tubs weigh 300-400 lbs and require planning for removal. Fiberglass tub/shower combos are lighter but bulky — break them down before loading.
Typical Bathroom Demo Debris
A standard bathroom teardown produces 2-5 cubic yards of debris: ceramic or porcelain tile with mortar bed (heavy), the vanity and countertop, the toilet, the tub or shower surround, drywall behind tile, and flooring. A 10 yard dumpster handles most single-bathroom renovations. For master bath remodels with separate tub and shower, consider a 15-20 yard.
The Weight Factor
Bathroom debris is disproportionately heavy relative to its volume. A standard tiled bathroom floor (50 sq ft) with mortar generates about 500-700 lbs of tile and mortar alone. Add a cast iron bathtub (300-400 lbs), marble vanity top (150-200 lbs), and a toilet (80-100 lbs), and you're looking at 1,000-1,400 lbs from a tiny room.
Protecting the Rest of Your Home
Run a debris path from the bathroom to the dumpster using plastic sheeting or old sheets on the floor. Seal off the bathroom door with plastic to contain dust. The shorter the path from demo zone to dumpster, the less mess you track through the house. Position the dumpster near the nearest exterior door to the bathroom.
Plumbing Fixtures and Disposal
Toilets, sinks, and faucets can go straight in the dumpster. Bathtubs are fine too — even cast iron ones (just be aware of the weight). The only bathroom item that needs special handling is an old medicine cabinet with a fluorescent light — remove the tube and dispose of it at a hazardous waste facility.
Pro Tips From the Crew
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