How many chute sections do I need?
Set your opening height and dumpster distance right on the picture. Drag the white tags or use the buttons, and the chute redraws as you go.
Estimate only. This calculator gives a rough planning estimate from the numbers you enter. It is not an engineered design, a site survey or a recommendation. American Tool Rental supplies rental equipment only. We do not design, install, inspect or approve chute setups, and we do not confirm how many sections you need. Have a qualified professional review the setup for your building before you install a chute, and follow the manufacturer's instructions, OSHA rules and NYC Department of Buildings requirements. You are responsible for the number of sections you order and for the safe installation and use of the equipment.
Planning a debris chute for a renovation or demolition job in NYC? Use this free garbage chute calculator to estimate how many chute sections you need. Enter the height of the window or floor opening and the distance from the wall to the dumpster, and the drawing shows the chute, the hopper and the total weight. When the setup looks right, send it to us with Get a quote for this setup or call 718-344-1474.
How to use the garbage chute calculator
- Opening height: measure from the ground to the bottom of the window or opening where debris goes in. The calculator works from 5 ft to 50 ft.
- Wall to dumpster: measure from the face of the building to the near side of the dumpster. Up to 25 ft is supported.
- Hopper and hopper frame: keep the hopper on if workers load debris at the top opening. Turn the frame on if the hopper mounts in a window or wall opening.
- Drag the white tags on the picture or use the plus and minus buttons. The chute redraws as you go.
What the results mean
- Chute sections: the number of stackable sections that reach from the opening into the dumpster.
- Lands from the wall: where the bottom of the chute ends up, so you can check it lands inside the dumpster.
- Overlap per joint: how far each section sits inside the one below it.
- Bend per joint: the small angle at each joint when the chute has to reach out to the dumpster.
- Chute weight: the approximate weight of the sections, useful when you plan how the chute is supported.
Rent garbage chutes in Brooklyn and NYC
American Tool Rental rents garbage chutes, hoppers and hopper frames from our yard at 181 2nd Ave in Brooklyn. Pick up at the counter or have the chute delivered to job sites in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. We rent equipment only, so your crew installs the chute. Call 718-344-1474 or request a quote for availability and rates.
Garbage chute questions
How many garbage chute sections do I need?
It depends on the opening height and how far out the dumpster sits. A chute that drops straight down needs fewer sections than one that has to angle out to a dumpster several feet from the wall. Enter both numbers above to get an estimate for your job.
What is a hopper on a garbage chute?
The hopper is the wider funnel at the top of the chute where debris is loaded. A hopper frame holds the hopper in a window or wall opening.
How far from the building can the dumpster be?
The calculator plans for a dumpster up to 25 ft from the wall. If the result says the dumpster is too far out for your height, move the dumpster closer or call us to talk through the setup.
Do you install the chute?
No. We rent the chute sections, hoppers and frames, and your crew or contractor installs them. We are happy to explain the parts when you pick up or receive the equipment.
Can I send my calculator results with a quote request?
Yes. Press Get a quote for this setup and your heights, distance and section count are added to the quote form for you.