8 Things You Absolutely Have To Know Before Renting A Dumpster

Renting a dumpster is not something the average person does on a weekly, monthly, or even annual basis. While it may seem like a quick and easy phone call, there are several things you absolutely must know before placing that call. 

1. Permit: Be sure to check with your local municipality about permitting. You may be required to get a permit for a roll-off dumpster. Some municipalities may even inspect what is loaded into your dumpster for compliance while others require flashers for any dumpsters left in the street overnight. You do not want to pay a fine needlessly. 

2. HOA: Read your HOA rules. In addition to your city, you may have to check with your homeowner's association for rules on dumpster usage. While an HOA cannot prevent you from remodeling your home or garden, they may have strict rules on how many days a dumpster can be in your driveway. 

3. Space: Plan ahead on where you intend for the dumpster to be placed. The area needs to be accessible by the delivery truck and clear of debris and obstructions on all sides. While the most common area for dumpster placement is in your driveway, many homeowners request placement below a window or near a front door for easier removal of waste. Being able to throw construction debris right out a second-story window can save a lot of steps in a remodeling project. 

4. Type: Understand what type of dumpster you need. Dumpsters come in two basic varieties, dumpster bags and roll-off dumpsters. Dumpster bags are very large bags for trash removal. They are less expensive, but they also hold less debris, making them perfect for small jobs. A roll-off dumpster, on the other hand, is made of steel and, depending on its size, can hold thousands of pounds of material. 

5. Size: Recognize what size you need. You should have a good understanding of how much waste you have when determining what size dumpster to rent. There is no need to pay for unused space. If you are unsure, you can talk to your general contractor or ask the dumpster rental service for help in determining the correct size dumpster for your project. 

6. Schedule: Understand that renting a dumpster requires planning. Not only do you need to call a few weeks in advance, but, if you plan on having multiple pickups and drop-offs for a large-scale project, you need to organize that well in advance with the rental company so that they can accommodate your needs. 

7. Prohibited Items: Know what you can and cannot put in a dumpster. Items like leftover paint, oil, chemicals, and anything flammable cannot be placed in dumpsters. They have to be disposed of separately according to your area's hazardous waste disposal policy. Likewise, refrigerators and freezers cannot be placed in a dumpster without prior approval due to the refrigerant they contain. Finally, if your waste is strictly from your yard — dirt, plant material, and sod — make sure your dumpster is emptied at a local composting site instead of a landfill. 

8. Price: Research pricing for local dumpster services. Take the time to call around for prices from your local dumpster service companies and understand what that price includes so you are comparing apples to apples. Sometimes the lowest price does not include landfill fees or even mileage to and from the dump site. Be sure that your pricing includes all the necessary costs and fees. 

Once you know the answers to the above points for your particular project, you are ready to call and reserve a dumpster for rent like a pro. Contact a local dumpster rental company to learn more.


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