Whether you’re clearing out a house or a larger worksite, you’ll need a dumpster to tackle the job. But you don’t want to enter the dumpster rental process blindly. You’ll have a more efficient experience if you do your homework on dumpsters first.
Read on to discover five ways to maximize your dumpster for rent!
1. Find the Right Dumpster Size
Not all dumpsters are the same style or size. That’s why it’s critical to determine your capacity needs and learn what works best in your particular setting. For instance, popular dumpster types include:
- Roll-off
- Front-load
- Yard
A roll-off dumpster rental makes sense if you’re clearing out a home interior before doing a kitchen remodel. They usually come in a size range of 10 to 40 cubic yards. These trim dumpsters can fit into most driveways, too, making them a good choice in high-density areas.
Yard dumpsters are an excellent choice for smaller projects, like garage cleanings. The smallest size, a one-yard dumpster, can typically hold up to 1,500 pounds.
In any case, be sure to choose a dumpster that’s not too large. Otherwise, you’ll be paying for wasted space. And choosing an undersized dumpster may mean paying for extra trips to empty it.
Ask your dumpster rental service for guidance given the nature of your task. An experienced company will be able to estimate how much space you need.
2. Understand Your Loading Technique
You don’t want to start throwing everything into your dumpster without any thought. You’ll get much more from the space if you take a more measured approach to loading it. You should:
- Put the bulkiest items at the bottom
- Scatter smaller debris in the gaps
- Avoid overfilling your dumpster
Bulky items can include things like furniture or big chunks of construction debris. Smaller debris may include wood scraps or other bagged items.
When you place the biggest items at the bottom, you’ll be able to place smaller items on top strategically. That way, you won’t have lots of unused pockets of space in the dumpster.
Commercial dumpster services can offer tips to help you get the most from your dumpster rental. They’ll also want to help you ensure even weight distribution so the dumpster doesn’t move when transported.
3. Know the Rules
Reputable local waste management rental services will go over the usage rules with you before moving forward with your contract. You’ll want to skim the contract, too, to make sure you’re clear.
For instance, you’ll need to be aware of what items cannot go in a dumpster. In general, you should not put the following items in a dumpster:
- Batteries
- Asbestos
- Electronics
- Solvents and wet paint
You may face extra charges for overfilling dumpsters. And if you’re a small business owner, you can’t afford these fees.
The company simply may not come to haul away the dumpster if it’s loaded higher than the sides. Additionally, know the costs for any unexpected damage to the dumpster.
Check payment terms and mileage fees if you live beyond a certain radius, too. If you’re trying to operate within a tight budget, these hidden costs can add up if you’re not careful. And be sure the correct dumpster size is indicated on the contract so you’re not surprised.
4. Consider Sharing a Dumpster
AÂ temporary dumpster hire might seem like more than you need. Especially if you’re just doing targeted cleaning or yardwork, you might not need lots of space.
If you’re a homeowner hoping to find ways to save, consider looking for ways to share dumpster use. You could:
- Organize a neighborhood cleanup
- Invite neighbors to use the dumpster
- Coordinate renovations with a next-door neighbor
Organizing a cleanup is a great way to foster new friendships in your neighborhood. It’s also an excellent way to motivate people to do a little spring cleaning. When several neighbors can commit to a cleanup, you can make a weekend party out of it and save money in the process.
Alternatively, maybe you can share a dumpster with just a few select neighbors. Or if a neighbor is planning a renovation, work with them to align schedules. You can share the dumpster while you’re gutting a bathroom or removing carpet.
5. Be Clear on Delivery Times
Once you’ve determined the size and type of dumpster, you’ll feel ready to move forward with a booking. When you’re scheduling a dumpster rental, be sure to clarify a few key items upfront:
- Where the dumpster will be delivered
- How long you’ll have the dumpster
- What type of waste you’ll put in it
How long do you need a dumpster on your property? It’s always smart to check if the rental company offers flexibility, or if there’s a fixed timeframe. In general, you can expect to reserve a dumpster anywhere from one day to one week.
Determine where to place the dumpster and communicate that to the rental company. You may be limited to just a driveway or front yard. But you’ll be able to work more efficiently if the dumpster is located in the most convenient location.
A residential dumpster rental service will be willing to work with you to determine the best times for pick-up and drop-off, as well. Better yet, you may not even need to be present when those two parts of the process happen.
Just be sure you know when to expect the truck so you’re ready for it. Prepare the drop-off area by moving vehicles and debris. And make sure the truck has unobstructed access for pick-up.
Find the Right Dumpster for Rent
Getting the most from your dumpster for rent means knowing the size and style of dumpster you need. Be clear on what you can put in the dumpster and know the rules for using it. Load the biggest items first, and consider sharing a dumpster with a neighbor.
WRS Dumpster Rental is a family-owned company with the inventory and rates to meet your needs. Our 25 years of experience ensures we offer the best customer experience in the dumpster rental industry. Contact us today to learn more!