Whether it’s a grand undertaking like demolition and remodeling projects or a small-scale task like keeping your workplace clean, renting a roll-off dumpster can help get the job done more smoothly and efficiently. A dumpster rental is a great way to simplify garbage disposal, recycling products, and removing junk that just isn’t needed anymore, but if this is your first time renting a dumpster you probably have a few questions about the process.
In this post, we are going to share with you 10 essential tips you need to know when renting a roll-off dumpster so that you can have a great experience and efficiently use your roll-off dumpster to carry out your waste removal projects.
Here are the 10 Tips You Need to Bear in Mind When Renting a Roll-Off Dumpster
#1. Plan Ahead
When you’re considering renting a dumpster for your waste removal project, there’s a lot to account for, so ensure you plan ahead of time in order to get the best experience possible. Planning ahead of time will help you get through your project efficiently and save you some costs and mistakes that might occur.
For example, dumpster rental companies have a limited number of containers on hand, so if you fail to book your dumpster rental before the scheduled project date, you might end up not getting a dumpster for your desired date or with a dumpster that doesn’t accommodate your trash. Also, if you were able to get a dumpster, for example, a day before project commencement, it is important to note that emergency dumpster rental can cost more than when you rent ahead of time.
#2. Find the Right Type of Service
There are two types of dumpster services, temporary dumpster service, and permanent dumpster service. A temporary dumpster service is suitable for short-term projects such as home cleanouts, construction or renovations, heavy debris or demolition, roofing, landscaping, and a big event. These types of containers are built to haul large quantities of debris so you can clean up quickly and easily. If you’re looking for an ongoing waste removal service, then you should consider a permanent dumpster service. A permanent dumpster service also known as a commercial dumpster service is mainly used by businesses or organizations who need a consistent, ongoing trash pickup service. These businesses need professional help in handling their waste removal process so they can spend less time worrying about trash. Types of businesses or organizations that might need a permanent dumpster service are restaurants, grocery stores, offices, hospitality, apartments, manufacturing and industrial, retail, schools and colleges, government, and municipalities. It is important to determine the type of dumpster service you need as it will enable you to get the right size container for your project.
#3. Choose the Right Size for Your Debris
Once you have determined the type of dumpster service you need, it is time to choose the right container size for the job. There are several dumpster sizes to choose from but to make the right choice, you have to determine how large is the debris if you’re interested in a temporary dumpster service or how much waste does your business produce if you’re working with a permanent dumpster service. To give you an idea of how much trash a dumpster can handle, here are some examples of dumpster sizes and the amount of trash they can hold;
- A 2 yard dumpster can hold up to 24 kitchen-sized trash bags
- A 6 yard dumpster can hold 72 kitchen-sized trash bags
- A 10 yard dumpster can hold up to 3 pickup truck loads
- A 30 yard dumpster can hold up to 9 pickup truck loads
If you still can’t tell the right option for your job, you can contact a reliable dumpster rental company to help you choose the right size for your project.
#4. Get an Estimate
Getting an estimate from more than one dumpster rental company is ideal as it will help you compare not only the initial cost of renting a dumpster but other fees such as potential overage charges, and landfill fees. Comparing prices from two or three different rental providers will save you some cost and help you choose a rental company that fits your budget.
#5. Prepare a Location for the Dumpster
It’s important to prepare for dumpster dropoff ahead of time as it allows you to figure out the best location to place the dumpster for maximum convenience and usage. Here are 3 factors to consider when preparing a location for the dumpster.
- The location should be large enough to accommodate the container.
- The location should be free of debris and out of the way of primary traffic routes.
- The location should be cleared of any obstacle the roll-off truck may encounter while dropping the container.
- Ensure the location is free of tree limbs and powerlines.
You also have to determine the dimension of the dumpster you’re renting to ensure it fits your driveway or cleared space. For example, a 30 yard dumpster measures approximately 22 feet long and 6 feet large, so you have to make sure you have enough clear space that will accommodate it. When preparing a location for the dumpster, it is beneficial to choose a place that serves your workers and the hauler right and that brings us to the next tip, Accessibility.
#6. Accessibility
Accessibility is just as important as placement when it comes to renting a dumpster. Your dumpster should be placed strategically on the site that you don’t have to drag your trash or debris too far to get to it and where the pickup truck can easily reach as well. It is important to take a good look around the site to determine what the best spot is, for the workers and also for taking the dumpster away, and in most cases, the front yard or driveway is the perfect location for a dumpster.
#7. Get a Permit
If you plan to place your dumpster in a public area like a street, sidewalk, or any type of public property, you will require a dumpster permit. Keep in mind that dumpster permit regulations vary from city to city so you may need to check with your city’s public works or local building departments for specific regulations in your area.
#8. Watch Fill Level
Most people don’t know that dumpsters actually have a fill level they need to watch out for. While dumpsters are designed to hold just about anything you can place inside, it is vital not to overfill them. An overfill dumpster is a hazard to anyone in reach as it contains materials that can fall out and cause damage to the hauler or people living in that area. In some areas, transporting dumpsters that are filled beyond the prescribed line is illegal and can cause you to incur charges. When in doubt, it is better to contact the rental company to guide you when filling your dumpster.
#9. Avoid Prohibited Materials
While you can toss most household junks and construction debris into a roll-off container, they’re few items that are prohibited in it. These prohibited items are extremely dangerous and pose a great threat to the environment, causing adverse impacts on natural resources, people, and animals. Depending on your city, if you’re caught throwing any prohibited item in a dumpster you will be penalized and fined for it. Check here to determine what can or cannot go into a dumpster or work with a professional dumpster rental provider in your area to ensure you’re not breaking any law.
#10. Work with a Professional
As you know by now, dumpster rental is not as easy as most people think but it can be simplified. Whether you’re demolishing a building, constructing a high rise, or embarking on a home renovation project, working with a reliable dumpster rental company will make your work easy and more efficient. And also, if you don’t know the right size dumpster for your project or want to make sure you’re not violating any regulations in your city by throwing in prohibited items or not getting the right permit, hire a contractor.
Conclusion
Ordering a dumpster is a simple way to get rid of unwanted items, furniture, and other debris at your own pace. Whether you’re handling your own kitchen remodel or doing work for a client, following the tips shared with you above will help to simplify your waste removal process and also help you in making the best choices for your waste removal project.
