Retail dumpster guide

Electronics Stores

Big cartons, foam and plastic fill a dumpster by volume, not weight. A few items, like screens and batteries, need a call first.

Electronics stores ship in big boxes. A television carton, the foam around it and the plastic wrap on the pallet take up a lot of room and weigh very little. That is why these stores tend to need a larger dumpster than their weight alone would suggest.

The pace is uneven. New product launches and the weeks around the holidays can fill a box in a few days, then things go quiet again. Planning for an extra swap from mid November through January is usually cheaper than running out of space mid-week.

The other thing to know is what stays out. Screens, batteries and bulbs usually need special handling in California, so they should not go in with regular trash.

Questions people ask

What size dumpster do electronics stores usually need?

A 30 or 40 yard is common, because large cartons and foam fill the space quickly. A 20 yard can work for a smaller store if cartons are flattened.

Can old TVs and monitors go in the dumpster?

Call first. Electronics with screens or batteries usually need special handling in California, and we will tell you what we can and cannot take.

Why do holiday weeks fill dumpsters so fast?

Gift season brings cartons and foam in bulk. Plan for a larger size or an extra swap from mid November through January.

Does flattening boxes really help?

Yes. A flattened carton takes a fraction of the room, and a box full of flat cardboard holds far more than one full of open cartons.

Questions about your store? Call or text (408) 825-4838.