Not all dumpster rental companies are the same. Finding a reputable, responsible, and reliable company is key. Here’s a rundown of what to look for and what questions to ask so that you can hire a dumpster rental company you can trust.
Pricing, Fees, and Surcharges
When you rent a dumpster, it’s important to understand the total cost, including any hidden fees that might come up. Your dumpster rental company should be able to walk you through their pricing structure, so you understand the baseline cost and any potential upcharges.
Questions to ask during a conversation about dumpster rental cost include:
- What does the rental fee cover? Are there additional costs for delivery or pickup?
- Are disposal costs included, or are there extra fees for recycling or landfill disposal?
- Is there a fee for overfilling the dumpster, and if so, what is it?
- How long is the rental period, can it be extended, and what’s the cost of an extension?
You can also ask dumpster rental companies if they have any materials that show the cost breakdowns you discussed, such as a brochure or information sheet that you can take with you. If they don’t, it’s a good idea to take notes so that you remember all the details.
Inquiring about pricing, especially hidden costs that may arise, is essential. That way, you can make informed decisions and stay on budget.
Accepted and Prohibited Items
You can’t dispose of everything in a dumpster, and companies have varying rules about what they accept. You should ask about accepted and prohibited items so that you can choose the best company for your needs and avoid disposal difficulties later on.
Items that are almost never accepted in a dumpster include:
- Hazardous materials (like asbestos)
- Chemicals
- Paint
- Accelerants
- Appliances that use Freon
Any of these can pose a fire hazard and can lead to exposure dangers for people who come in contact with them. You can reach out to your local waste management office to learn about safe disposal options in your community.
A dumpster rental company may also have rules regarding other items, particularly those that are heavy or bulky. Before assuming that dumpster disposal is acceptable, you should ask about items like:
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Carpet
- Mattresses
- Concrete or rock
- Electronics
Depending on the laws and regulations in your area, as well as their own safety rules, your dumpster rental company may or may not take these items. Knowing ahead of time will help you plan your project appropriately and determine alternate disposal options if needed.
Licensing, Insurance, and Customer Reviews
You should also gather information about a company’s integrity and reputation. Asking about licensing, insurance coverage, and customer reviews is a good place to start.
A reputable company will be open about its licensing and insurance coverage. A company’s license shows that they are operating legally in your area, and their insurance coverage protects you and them in the event of any damage or injury.
Many companies will also have customer reviews. You can typically find these on their website, social media, and business listings.
It’s important to consider both solicited reviews (i.e., reviews the company posts) and independent reviews (such as those on non-affiliated sites or through the Better Business Bureau). Keep in mind that a single bad review—or good one—doesn’t necessarily tell you the whole story about a company.
Instead, you can look for trends that indicate if a dumpster rental company:
- Is reliable, on time, and transparent
- Provides good customer service
- Resolves problems to customers’ satisfaction
Conducting a little research before hiring a dumpster rental company can save a great deal of hassle down the line. The more information you have, the better equipped you are to choose the company that’s right for you.
If you need a dumpster rental service in Westchester County, call D. Barry Rubbish Inc. today. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re here to put our 20+ years of experience to work for you. You can count on us to provide prompt and reliable dumpster rental services to help keep your project on time and on track. Call D. Barry Rubbish Inc. today for all your dumpster rental and trash hauling needs.