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.