Dumpster Dos and Don’ts
Renting a dumpster may be a little intimidating to some, but it’s not as difficult as one would think. A little research and planning will prevent surprises that could have been avoided. Follow the best practices below and everything will run smoothly.
DO
- Know What Size You Need
Check out the sizing guide on our FAQ’s page - Know the Timeframe
Know when and how long you need the dumpster for and how quickly it will be filled up. - If Needed, Get a Permit
Dumpsters located on city-owned property WILL need a permit. - Know Hidden Costs You May Face
Overtime, overfill, overweight charges can occur unpredictably. Make sure you know them upfront. - Order by Category of Waste
If you have heavy debris or a LEED-certified construction site, you will want haulers to treat your order differently than a standard rental. - Know the Limitations
There are a number of variables that will impact how and where a dumpster is dropped off. This can include inclines, soft ground, public walkways, trees.
DON’T
- Choose a Dumpster on Square Footage Alone
Heavy construction debris can quickly exceed the weight capacity of a dumpster before it is even half full. - Do Not Depend on a Swap Out
Swap outs are not guaranteed to come immediately and can cost as much as the initial dumpster rental. - Assume the Dumpster Will Fit
Make sure your desired drop off area allows for truck access and room to drop off and pick- up. - Overfill the Dumpster
An overfilled dumpster is a hazard to anyone in reach. The dumpster contains materials that can fall out and cause damage to the hauler or people in the area. - Add Waste that Doesn’t Belong
You can’t put just any item in a dumpster. The obvious being hazardous waste, but other items like mattresses and food don’t belong there either.