One Door or Barn Door: Which Is Better for Building Dumpsters?
This is a common question for anyone in the dumpster rental business: Should you go with one big swinging door or two barn-style doors when building dumpsters? The answer depends on the type of operation you’re running, the customers you primarily serve, and the kinds of jobs you take on. Let’s break it down.
One-Door Dumpsters: The Stronger, More Secure Option
If your operation primarily deals with heavy waste and contractors, the one-door option is the way to go. This design typically features a single, 8-foot door that swings open on two or three industrial-strength hinges. It locks securely in place with a keyed mechanism, ensuring the door stays shut, even under the pressure of heavy debris.
This option is ideal for handling materials like sheetrock, earth, trees, and stones. Once locked, the door will not open, offering peace of mind for jobs involving dense, heavy debris. In my business, all our dumpsters are built with the one-door design because it provides the strength and reliability we need for contractors and residential customers alike.
However, we avoid allowing contractors to load excessively heavy debris, not because our dumpsters can’t handle it, but because we don’t want to beat up our trucks. Heavy materials lead to increased wear and tear, higher fuel costs, and more frequent repairs. Plus, lighter materials tend to be more profitable on a job-to-job basis.
Another issue we’ve encountered with heavy debris is tipping costs. Contractors often balk at paying high transfer station fees, leaving us stuck with the bill. For these reasons, we’ve found that the one-door design, paired with selective loading policies, works best for our operation.
Barn-Door Dumpsters: Flexible but Riskier
Barn doors, or two-door dumpsters, have a different design. Each door swings open from the sides and meets in the middle. They typically lock with a bottom latch and sometimes include an additional top bar for added stability.
While barn doors can be convenient for certain applications, they come with notable risks. The biggest concern is the doors popping open, especially under the strain of heavy loads. Picture this: When a dumpster is tipped at a 30-degree angle for loading onto a truck, all the weight inside rests against the doors. This pressure increases the risk of failure, particularly with heavier materials.
I’ve never personally experienced a barn door popping open, but in my early years using a dump trailer with a similar design, we had a couple of close calls. Imagine driving on the highway and having those doors fail, spilling debris onto the road and potentially causing an accident. The liability could ruin your business, no matter what insurance you have. For me, the risks far outweigh any potential savings.
When Barn Doors Might Be a Good Fit
That said, barn doors can work well in certain scenarios. If your operation primarily focuses on junk removal or lighter residential jobs, barn doors are perfectly fine. They allow for easier loading and unloading, and with proper training, your team can ensure they’re used safely.
Additionally, barn doors may be a better option if space is a concern. For example, if your transfer station has tight quarters, swinging open a single, large door might not be practical. In those cases, barn doors provide more flexibility.
Final Recommendation
If you’re a dumpster rental company handling a mix of heavy debris and general waste, I recommend going with the one-door design. It’s stronger, more secure, and better suited for heavy-duty applications. However, if you’re mainly focused on junk removal or lighter materials and have a smaller operation with a few dumpsters, barn doors could work just fine.
At the end of the day, it’s about assessing your specific needs, weighing the risks, and choosing the design that fits your operation best. For me, the peace of mind and durability of one-door dumpsters make them the clear choice.✌️
Justin Hubbard
PLUS: Whenever you're ready, here are three ways I can help you grow your business:
1. Get Personal Help with a FREE Strategy Call
Need fresh insights on your business strategy? Book a FREE 30-minute call with me. I help identify winning strategies to boost your bottom line and enhance your quality of life.
You’ve hired experts for your golf game and finances—now hire a coach to help your business thrive. As a fellow small business owner, I understand the challenges and know how to navigate them for growth and success. Book your strategy call HERE.
2. adimize: Grow Your Business with Our Proven Google Ads System
Want to maximize your ad spend and drive results? Get a FREE Google Ads account review with adimize. Our team specializes in optimizing ad campaigns to drive leads and increase bookings. With over a decade of hauling industry marketing experience, we help your business grow using intent-driven, results-focused strategies. And with no contracts, there’s nothing to lose. Schedule your free review HERE.
3. Order My New eBook: Beyond Breaking Even | Unlocking Profit Potential In Hauling Businesses
Discover how to generate sustainable revenue and growth. This book provides targeted, efficient strategies specifically designed for the hauling industry. Inside, you'll find actionable insights on how to scale your business, optimize operations, and increase profitability while minimizing risk. Learn from real-world examples and proven methods that have helped businesses like yours go beyond survival to achieving success. Purchase your copy HERE.
Comments