New floors are exciting. Old floors are a problem. Nobody warns you that the moment you pull up 20-year-old carpet, you’re suddenly the proud owner of a giant, dusty, surprisingly heavy burrito that won’t fit in the trash can. If you’re replacing flooring in the Tulsa area, here’s how to get rid of it all without wrecking your back (or your weekend).

Not All Old Flooring Weighs the Same

Different floors create very different messes, so it helps to know what you’re dealing with:

Carpet and pad: Bulky but light. It takes up a lot of room, but it won’t blow past your weight limit.
Hardwood, laminate, and vinyl planks: Moderate weight, lots of awkward long pieces.
Tile: Heavy. The tile itself is one thing, but the mortar and backer board underneath add up fast.

Weight matters because every dumpster includes a set amount of disposal: 1 ton with our 15-yard and 2 tons with our 20-yard, with overage currently $65 per ton. We covered the details in our post on heavy debris and dumpster weight limits.

What Size Dumpster Do You Need for a Flooring Project?

One or two rooms of carpet: A 15-yard dumpster (starting at $295) is usually plenty.
Whole-house carpet, hardwood, or vinyl: Consider a 20-yard (starting at $350) for the extra room.
Tile removal: Plan around weight, not space. Our dumpster size guide can help you choose.

When in doubt, call us. Guessing wrong costs more than asking.

Tips for Tearing Out Old Floors

Cut carpet into strips. Roll them tight and cut them into manageable 3 to 4 foot bundles. Trust us, you don’t want to carry a whole-room carpet roll out the front door.
Pull the tack strips and nails carefully. They’re sharp and love to find bare hands. Wear gloves and sturdy shoes.
Stack flat. Load flooring in flat layers instead of tossing it in a jumble. You’ll fit more, and it’s easier on the dumpster’s weight distribution. See our loading tips.
Put the dumpster close. The shorter the walk, the shorter the project. Our delivery prep guide helps you pick a good spot.

One Important Warning About Older Homes

If your house is older, be careful. Very old vinyl tiles and the black adhesive underneath them can contain asbestos, and asbestos can’t go in a dumpster. If you’re not sure, have the flooring tested before you start tearing things up. It’s the kind of surprise you really don’t want halfway through demo day.

Book Your Flooring Removal Dumpster Before You Start Pulling Carpet

Durco is a locally owned Broken Arrow company serving Tulsa, Bixby, Jenks, Glenpool, Owasso, Sand Springs, and Sapulpa, with same-day and next-day delivery for most addresses. Call or text (918) 508-8370 or book online. Planning a bigger remodel? Read our guides for kitchen and bathroom projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw old carpet in a dumpster?
Yes. Carpet and carpet pad are common dumpster items. Cut it into strips to make it easier to carry and load.

How much does it cost to rent a dumpster for a flooring project?
Our 15-yard starts at $295 and our 20-yard starts at $350, with disposal included up to the weight limit. See our pricing guide for details.

Is tile heavier than other flooring?
Yes. Tile, mortar, and backer board are much heavier than carpet or wood, so plan around weight instead of space.

Can old flooring contain asbestos?
In older homes, very old vinyl tile and its adhesive can. Asbestos can’t go in a dumpster, so have it tested before you demo.

Locally owned in Broken Arrow, serving the Tulsa metro. (918) 508-8370 | Mattd@durcodumpsters.com