Renting a dumpster is an excellent way to streamline any home improvement, cleanout, or waste disposal project. However, a successful dumpster rental does take some forethought. Here is a look at five common dumpster rental mistakes and the actions you can take to avoid them.
1. Getting the Wrong Size Dumpster
Dumpsters come in various sizes, so it’s essential to choose the correct size for your project. If you choose a dumpster that’s too small, you’ll risk overfilling it or needing additional waste removal solutions. If you choose a dumpster that’s too big, you’ll spend money unnecessarily and potentially cause avoidable disruptions to your surroundings.
To choose the correct dumpster size, discuss your project with a reliable dumpster rental company. They have the expertise and on-the-job experience to advise you on appropriate size options. If you’re working with a contractor or other professional, you can also consult them for input.
2. Not Planning for Dumpster Placement
For your dumpster rental to be effective, it needs to be put in the correct location. If you don’t plan ahead, you could end up with a dumpster that:
- Doesn’t fit in the intended space
- Sits too far away from your work site
- Impedes access or causes safety hazards on your property
You can avoid these pitfalls by:
- Measuring the space you plan for the dumpster and ensuring you pick a size that fits
- Planning out how to minimize travel distance when loading the dumpster
- Considering how long the dumpster will be on site and how it will affect access, traffic, and daily activities
Your local dumpster rental company can provide guidance on many of these considerations. You can talk with them ahead of time for insight on the best dumpster placement for your property and project.
3. Nonadherence to Weight and Fill Limits
Dumpsters typically have both a fill line and a weight limit. These are in place to ensure that filled dumpsters can be loaded, transported, and emptied safely.
When renting a dumpster, you must pay attention to both of these elements. It’s no good to keep the contents of a dumpster below the fill line if you put in too much weight. Likewise, you shouldn’t load up a dumpster above the fill line even if the contents are within the weight limit.
To ensure compliance with both the fill and weight limits, make sure you know what those are before you rent a dumpster. Based on the size and scope of your project, you may need to choose a different-sized dumpster than anticipated to accommodate either the volume or the weight of your waste products.
If you do encounter a dumpster fill or weight issue during your project, don’t ignore it. Instead, make an alternative disposal plan. This could mean renting another dumpster or pursuing a different disposal solution. Either way, don’t compromise safety (or incur a fine) by overloading your dumpster.
4. Prohibited Item Disposal
All dumpster rental companies have rules about what they do and do not take. These are based on national, state, and local regulations that are designed to keep people and the environment safe.
Before you rent a dumpster, find out what is acceptable for disposal. If your project involves getting rid of prohibited items or materials, find out what the safe disposal options are in your location and dispose of them appropriately.
You are responsible for the contents of your dumpster, so you should ensure you’re fully informed before your project starts. Noncompliance could result in fines or legal action, so make sure you know before you throw.
5. Mis-scheduling Drop-off or Pickup
Dumpster delivery and pickup will be scheduled for specific times based on the rental company’s timetable and policies. Companies manage numerous rental contracts on any given day, so changing those times is rarely a viable option. If it is possible, it will usually mean an additional fee.
When planning a dumpster rental, ensure you have a solid understanding of your project’s timeline. Listen to the specifics of the pickup and drop-off schedule and read your contract in detail to ensure you fully understand all of the information.
If you’re working with a team (be it professional or family), make sure that everyone knows the dumpster rental timeline. If you work with accurate information and keep everyone in the loop, it will be much easier to adhere to the scheduled dumpster pickup and drop-off plan.
For advice and dumpster rental service in Westchester County, call D. Barry Rubbish Inc. today. We are your local dumpster rental specialists, with over 20 years of experience providing punctual and friendly service throughout the area. We are a family-owned company, and we’re here to assist you with both weekday and weekend appointments for your dumpster rental needs.