Both sizes are made to fit in a standard driveway, so that you can choose based on your debris. The 10-yard dumpster works well for a garage cleanout or heavy material like old concrete steps. The 20-yard dumpster is better suited for bigger jobs, like clearing out a house before a sale. If you're still unsure, our team can help you pick the right one when you call.

Elmhurst is one of the few suburbs with a permit that names dumpsters directly. "Dumpster" appears on the city's Required Permit List, and the Public Works Dumpster Permit is filed through the Civic Access portal. Since the list doesn't separate street placement from driveway placement, we recommend calling City Hall at 630-530-3030 to confirm what applies to your address before delivery.

Appliances that contain freon, like refrigerators, freezers, and window AC units, can't go in, and neither can microwaves. Paint, fuels, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs are also prohibited items. On top of that, Illinois adds landscape waste and electronics like TVs and computers to the list, and those bans apply on both the DuPage and Cook County sides of Elmhurst. If something gives you pause, ask us before tossing it.

Elmhurst deliveries usually arrive the same day you book or early the next morning, so it's easy to get a weekend project started on short notice. If the job runs past Sunday, that's no problem. You're welcome to keep the dumpster for the weekend or longer.

For most flooded basements, the 20-yard gives you enough room for soaked carpet, padding, drywall, and damaged furniture. Keep in mind that wet debris weighs much more than dry, so spread heavy items evenly and cover the container with a tarp if more rain is in the forecast. Same-day delivery is usually available, so you can start clearing wet materials right away and get your basement back sooner.