If you’ve never rented a dumpster before, then you may have a lot to learn about how to have the best dumpster rental experience. While dumpster rental may seem fairly straightforward, you can make the experience even easier. Working with a good dumpster rental company, knowing the rules, and using your dumpster safely are all ways that you can make your dumpster rental go smoothly.
Below are a few examples of best practices for dumpster rental. Although dumpster rental experiences can vary from one dumpster rental company to another, these best practices can be applied to nearly all rentals.
Choose the Right Dumpster Rental Company
Reputation is important. Check online reviews or get referrals from someone you know. Price is another important factor. Choose a dumpster rental company that aligns with your budget, but don’t pick the company solely based on price alone.
Finally, consider the company’s customer service when deciding which company is best. Are you able to get a real person on the phone when you call? Does their website accurately describe their services and prices? Do they answer inquiries promptly and with accuracy? Take notice of these things as you call around from one dumpster rental company to another.
Know What Can and Can’t Go in the Dumpster
Nearly all dumpster rental companies have rules about what can and can’t be thrown away. Generally speaking, most companies will not allow you to dispose of hazardous waste like chemicals and cleaning solutions. Certain electronics, batteries and rubber tires may not be allowed. Items containing Freon, like air conditioners and refrigerators, may also not be allowed.
Your dumpster rental company may also limit the number of heavy things that you can throw away. Concrete, soil, stones, and other dense, heavy materials may be restricted.
Talk to your dumpster rental company before signing for your dumpster rental to ensure that you can throw away all your garbage. If you can’t put your items in the dumpster, you may need to make separate arrangements with your local sanitation department for disposal or recycling.
Choose the Right Size of Dumpster
If you select a dumpster that is too small, you may have to make separate trips to a landfill or pay someone else to separately haul away your extra trash. Choose the right size dumpster for the load that you plan to throw away. If you’re remodeling your building or home, work with your contractor to determine dumpster size.
While you’re picking the size of the dumpster, examine the space where the dumpster will sit while it is on your property. Measure the size and consider the activity that will take place around the dumpster. For example, if the dumpster will sit in a driveway, make sure the driveway is wide enough to accommodate the dumpster as well as anything else that will use the driveway while the dumpster is there.
Focus on Dumpster Safety
Once you’ve rented a dumpster, use it safely. The following tips can help you avoid accidents.
Never Enter the Dumpster
Don’t get inside the dumpster to put things in it or to rearrange items inside the dumpster. Put everything into the dumpster while standing on the outside.
Lift With Your Legs
When lifting things into the dumpster, lift with your legs and not your back. Know your limits, and get help from a capable partner when lifting something that is too heavy for you to safely move yourself. Do not lift heavy items above shoulder level.
Keep Watch for Bees and Animals
Bees and animals will be attracted to trash inside the dumpster. Be aware that these pests could be in your dumpster at any time, and stay vigilant when you throw items away. This is especially important if you have an allergy to stinging insects. Leave a lid on the dumpster whenever possible to prevent animals and insects from entering.
Keep the Area Around the Dumpster Clear
Keep the area around the dumpster clear of snow drifts and ice during the winter. Plow snow away from the dumpster and de-ice the area regularly. If snow builds up and hides the dumpster from view, remove the snow immediately.
Do not pile anything around the dumpster like branches from a tree or something else that could obscure the view of the dumpster and lead to accidents. This is especially important if the dumpster is parked on the road.
Contact Your Dumpster Rental Company
Your dumpster rental company can give you some ideas about best practices for your dumpster rental. For more information about how you can make your dumpster rental go well, contact Tri-State Disposal. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and give you advice that will help you with your dumpster rental.
