7 Frequently Asked Questions Everyone Has Before Renting a Dumpster

Does your basement look more like a landfill than a living area? Planning a home renovation? Finally, getting around to cleaning out your garage? If you answered yes to any of these or find yourself in a similar situation, what you need is a rental dumpster.

Just like muting notifications on your phone or treating yourself to a massage, renting a dumpster can take a whole lot of stress out of your life literally overnight. But, like everyone getting their first massage, there are some things worth knowing before you order a dumpster. We’ll answer the most common questions people have about renting a dumpster so you know you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

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Question 1: What size dumpster should I rent for my project?

The first thing to know is that dumpster rentals range in size from 10 yards to 40 yards. The size you need depends on how much junk and garbage you have to dispose of. Something on the smaller side should suffice for smaller projects, such as cleaning out a room or removing a small amount of construction debris. If you’re managing a construction site, multi-family apartment complex, or a full-home renovation, you’ll be happier with one big dumpster rather than multiple overflowing small ones.

Hot tip: Call a waste disposal company like Atlas Disposal to get personalized advice on dumpster size.

Question 2: How much does it cost to rent a dumpster?

Everyone wants to know about the money. And fair enough! The cost of dumpster rentals goes up and down depending on several factors. The three big ones are:

Dumpster size
Duration of rental
Type of waste

Generally, a small dumpster rental costs around $200 and can go up to $800 or more for larger containers.

Hot tip: Costs can end up skyrocketing if you fail to comply with the dumpster fill level or somehow damage the dumpster. They are pretty sturdy containers, so the more critical thing is to look out for yourself and comply with guidelines.

Question 3: How long can I rent a dumpster?

With costs changing depending on the rental duration, how long rentals last suddenly becomes much more important. Many companies prefer to deliver and pick up the next day. This is good for the company because it allows their dumpsters to be rented again sooner. It’s also good for you because you don’t have a 20-yard dumpster turning your lawn brown or making your driveway into an obstacle course.

If you do need more than 24-48 hours, most dumpster rental companies offer rental periods ranging from seven to ten days. In most cases, extensions can be added on for an additional fee.

Hot tip: Get all your garbage out of the house and ready to load before renting a dumpster to cut down on rental time and save costs.

Question 4: What can I put in a dumpster?

Dumpsters for rent can take similar items to normal municipal garbage collection bins you put out on your street, plus larger items that wouldn’t fit. This includes:

Household junk
Construction debris
Yard waste
Furniture

Just like carry-on items in airport security, there are some items that are typically prohibited. Think electronics, batteries, and cans of gas.

Pro tip: Recycle as much as you can so you can fit more real garbage in the dumpster.

Question 5: Can I place a dumpster on the street?

In most cases, you’ll need a permit to place a dumpster on a public street. For example, if you rent a dumpster in Utah County, it must be placed on the property of the renter, not on the street.

Pro tip: More information can almost always be found on your city’s website.

Question 6: How do I schedule a dumpster rental?

Over the phone is the best way to quickly schedule a dumpster rental. Prepare beforehand with information about the size of the dumpster you need, the duration of the rental, and the type of waste you’ll be disposing of. If this is your first time doing it, it might sound difficult, but you’ll soon find it probably takes less time than taking the bins out to the curb.

Pro tip: You can also often visit waste disposal companies in person or contact them by email.

Question 7: What happens to the waste after I rent a dumpster?

The waste disposal company transports the dumpster to a landfill or recycling facility. It’s a great idea to ask rental companies about their recycling options since they often have more than you might imagine.

Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to ask the disposal company about how they manage your waste. They will be happy to explain.

Renting a dumpster is the answer to so many seemingly huge tasks that threaten to overwhelm our usual waste management containers. Ensure a successful and stress-free construction project or yard clean-up by understanding the basics of dumpsters, including the size of the container you need, the cost, and the rules for disposing of different types of waste. Still, have unanswered questions? Don’t hesitate to contact your local rental company and ask them anything.

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Renting a dumpster is an effective and quick solution for decluttering your space. If you’re tired of the mess and looking for a practical way to handle it, a dumpster rental can be a game-changer. Whether you’re planning a home renovation or finally getting to that garage cleanup, a rental dumpster is the solution you need. Say goodbye to clutter and hello to a more organized and stress-free living space.