When hurricanes roll through Acadiana, the aftermath leaves more than just emotional stress — it leaves piles of debris, soaked furniture, ruined drywall, and damaged belongings. And if you’re staring at your front yard wondering how you’re going to clean it all up, you’re not alone.
At Titan Waste Solutions, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners, landlords, and contractors get through storm recovery. We’re a locally owned and veteran-operated dumpster rental company based right here in Lafayette, and we’ve seen firsthand what it takes to restore a property safely and efficiently after a storm. This guide walks you through exactly what to do after the storm, how dumpsters can help, and how to find the right one for your cleanup.
Step 1: Assess the Damage and Start Sorting
After the storm has passed and it’s safe to go outside, walk your property and take inventory. Ask yourself:
- What materials are water-damaged or unsalvageable?
- Is there drywall, flooring, insulation, or furniture that must go?
- Are there appliances that were exposed to water or no longer work?
- Do you have piles of construction debris from emergency repairs?
At this stage, start separating the debris into three categories:
Eligible Items Furniture Mattresses Drywall Flooring Cabinets Doors Junk Bagged trash Small appliances Leaves & branches | Prohibited Items Paint Oil & fuel Chemicals Wet paint cans Asbestos Lead materials Freon AC units Gas equipment Medical waste | Special Handling Propane tanks Car tires Rims Freon appliances TVs & monitors Computers Batteries Electronics |
Step 2: Understand Dumpster Sizes in Cubic Yards
Dumpsters are measured in cubic yards, which refers to the total volume of debris they can hold. One cubic yard is roughly the size of a standard clothes dryer.
Here’s a quick size guide:
- 10-yard dumpster: Holds 3 pickup truck loads – good for small rooms, light debris
- 15-yard dumpster: Holds 4–5 pickup loads – ideal for 1-2 room cleanouts
- 20-yard dumpster: Holds 6 pickup loads – perfect for full home cleanups or heavy debris
- 25-yard dumpster: Holds 7–8 pickup loads – best for large renovations or major property gut jobs
If you’re unsure, go one size up. Most people underestimate the amount of waste they’ll have after a storm. It’s always cheaper to size up than to overfill and pay overage fees or need a second bin.
Step 3: Choose a Dumpster Rental Company You Can Trust
Here’s what to look for when renting a dumpster after a storm:
- Fast Response:
You don’t want to wait days for delivery. Look for companies offering same-day or next-day service.
- Transparent Pricing:
Flat-rate pricing is ideal. You should know exactly what’s included: rental period, weight limit, and any extra fees.
- Flexible Rental Durations:
Storm cleanup doesn’t happen overnight. A good company will offer rental periods of up to 7 days or longer if needed.
- Clear Rules About Waste:
You want someone who tells you what’s allowed and what’s not — before you get surprised at pickup.
- Local Ownership:
Corporate dumpster companies often have slow response times, hidden fees, or impersonal service. A local provider like Titan Waste Solutions gives you quick answers, flexible terms, and personalized support — because we live here too.
Step 4: Schedule Delivery and Prepare the Site
Once you’ve picked a provider and size:
- Make sure your driveway or designated drop zone is clear of vehicles and overhanging tree limbs
- Place boards or plywood if you want to protect your driveway surface
- Ask for a window of arrival — local companies tend to be more accurate with scheduling
After it arrives, load your debris evenly and stay within the fill line. If you finish early, most providers (like Titan) will come get it early if you call or text.
Closing Thoughts: Don’t Let Cleanup Slow You Down
Hurricane cleanup is emotional, overwhelming, and exhausting — but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. A properly sized dumpster takes the pressure off, helps you stay safe, and speeds up your return to normal.
At Titan Waste Solutions, we’ve made storm recovery smoother for families and businesses across Lafayette and the surrounding parishes. We’re proud to offer reliable, honest service with no runaround — just clean, heavy-duty dumpsters when and where you need them.
Need a Dumpster for Storm Cleanup?
Need a dumpster rental Lafayette LA? Call us today or book online to reserve your roll-off. We’ll help you get started, stay on track, and get your property cleaned up without the stress.