Storm Damage Cleanup: Renting a Dumpster After a Hill Country Storm
Hill Country storms can bring down branches, damage roofs, and leave debris across a property fast. Here’s how to approach cleanup once the storm passes.
Why New Braunfels Sees Storm Damage in Spring
New Braunfels has a humid subtropical climate, and spring (March through May) brings the heaviest rainfall of the year along with the region’s peak severe weather season. That combination of heavy rain and Hill Country storm systems is when we see the most calls for downed branches, fence damage, and storm debris cleanup.
Assessing Debris Before You Call
A quick walk around your property to estimate the volume of branches, roofing material, or fencing debris helps us recommend the right container size on the first call.
Mixed Debris Is Common After Storms
Storm cleanup often combines yard debris, roofing material, and sometimes fencing or structural damage. Let us know the mix so we can size and price accurately.
Why Local Response Matters After a Storm
When a storm hits a wide area, demand for cleanup services spikes. Being locally based means we’re not competing with other regions for the same trucks and drivers.
Insurance Documentation
If you’re filing an insurance claim for storm damage, photograph debris before it’s loaded into the dumpster in case your insurer requests documentation of the damage.
Weight Considerations for Storm Debris
Wet branches and waterlogged debris weigh more than dry material. If cleanup is happening soon after heavy rain, mention this so we can account for it in sizing.
A Cleanup Order That Keeps You Safe
Start with anything that’s a safety hazard: broken glass, hanging branches, and damaged roofing that could fall. Then clear wet materials from inside the house, since those cause mold if they sit. Yard debris and fencing can usually wait until the house is dry and secure. Working in this order keeps people safe and protects what can still be saved.
Getting Ready for Next Time
Once the cleanup is done, a little prep goes a long way before the next storm. Our guide to preparing for storm season covers what to do before severe weather hits.
What Size Dumpster Do You Need After a Storm?
Start with what you have. A few fallen branches and a short run of broken fence fit a 10-yard, which holds about three pickup truck loads. A 15-yard holds a mid-size yard cleanup with fence boards and old furniture. A 20-yard is the most popular pick for a whole-house cleanup or a roof job, and it holds about six pickup truck loads. A 30-yard fits a large renovation or a big cleanout, and a 40-yard fits a large job with lots of light, bulky debris. If you are torn between two sizes, the bigger one is usually cheaper than a second haul. See our dumpster sizes guide to compare all five sizes side by side.
How Much Does a Storm Cleanup Dumpster Cost?
Most roll-off rentals in New Braunfels cost between $280 and $750 for a standard 7-day rental. A 10-yard typically runs $280–$350, a 20-yard $375–$550, and a 40-yard $525–$750. That price usually covers delivery, pickup, disposal, a 7-day rental, and 1–2 tons of debris. See our dumpster rental prices page for the full list by size.
Watch the weight. A ton is 2,000 pounds, and anything over your included weight is billed per ton, typically $60–$100. Wet branches and waterlogged debris weigh more than dry material, so tell the provider the load will be wet. Keep the dumpster longer than 7 days and extra days usually run $15–$25 per day.
What Can and Can’t Go in the Dumpster
Most storm debris can go in: branches and yard waste, fence boards, shingles, drywall, lumber, flooring, cabinets, carpet, and household junk. Loose debris is fine — you do not have to bag everything, though bagging small, loose trash helps keep it from blowing around. If you have a question about an item, check our dumpster rental FAQ before you load it.
Some items can’t go in a roll-off: liquid paint, motor oil, solvents and other chemicals, tires, car batteries, propane tanks, and appliances that still hold refrigerant. Medical or hazardous waste can’t go in either. These items can trigger penalty fees, so keep them out and ask the provider how to handle them. If you are not sure about an item, ask before you load it.
How Long Can You Keep the Dumpster?
Most rentals include 7 days. That is usually enough for a storm cleanup, from the first walk-around to the last load. If you need more time, extra days usually run $15–$25 per day. When the job is done, call or text and the provider will pick it up and handle disposal. Keep debris level with the top edge so the truck can haul it away without a problem.
Where to Put the Dumpster
Most standard driveways in New Braunfels take a 10, 15 or 20-yard without trouble. A driveway spot needs no permit in most cases — keep it on your property. Placing it on the street instead may need city approval, so check local rules first. Ask the provider to put boards under the container to protect the concrete, and keep the truck and the container away from the septic tank and drain field, on firm, level ground.
Storm Damage Cleanup FAQ
What size dumpster do I need after a storm?
A 10-yard fits a few fallen branches and a short run of broken fence. A 20-yard is the most popular pick for a whole-house cleanup or a roof job. A 30 or 40-yard fits a large property or a full cleanout. Tell the provider what you have and they will confirm the size.
How much does a storm cleanup dumpster cost?
Typical 7-day rentals run $280–$750 depending on size. A 10-yard typically runs $280–$350, a 20-yard $375–$550, and a 40-yard $525–$750. Extra days usually run $15–$25 per day, and overage is $60–$100 per ton.
What can’t go in a storm cleanup dumpster?
Liquid paint, motor oil, solvents and other chemicals, tires, car batteries, propane tanks, and appliances that still hold refrigerant can’t go in a roll-off. Medical or hazardous waste can’t go in either. If you are not sure about an item, ask before you load it.
How long can I keep the dumpster?
Seven days is standard. Extra days usually run $15–$25 per day. When the job is done, call and the provider will pick it up and handle disposal.
Do I need a permit for a dumpster after a storm?
Not for a dumpster on your own driveway in most cases. Street placement may need city approval — check local rules first.
Dealing With Storm Damage?
Call us and describe the damage. We’ll get a container to your property as fast as possible.
Book emergency storm cleanup service or call (830) 420-5236.
