It’s estimated that America produces roughly 4.9 pounds of trash per person each day. And that’s just daily trash! When you consider the waste that builds up before a big move or construction project, it’s easy to see how that figure can get higher.
Whether you’re a homeowner doing a renovation or a project manager with a huge job site, you need a solution to your waste problems. The answer lies in a dumpster rental.
However, it’s vital to remember that there’s a right and wrong way to go about the dumpster rental process. In this guide, we’ll briefly walk you through each step so you can have a smooth experience.
Find a Dumpster Rental Company
Before you can begin the dumpster rental process, you first need to find a company that rents this type of equipment. If you require the dumpster for construction purposes, you might want to ask around your network.
Odds are people in your industry, or neighbors and family members might have some recommendations for people they’ve worked with in the past. If your network doesn’t turn anything up, you can turn to an internet search for dumpster rental companies in your area.
When you’re looking at these companies, make sure you pay attention to two things in particular. First, you want to make sure they have the type of dumpster that you require for your project, whether that’s residential or commercial.
Second, you want to make sure that the rental company has positive online reviews. That way, you know that previous clients have had a good experience with the company.
Define the Scope of Your Project
Once you find a company, it’s time to start defining the scope of your project. This is important because it will inform the type of dumpster you require, the container size, and how long you’ll need it.
For example, if you’re cleaning out a house with a lot of junk in it, then a small ten-cubic meter dumpster should be enough to accommodate your needs.
However, if you’re dealing with a construction site that’s dealing with heavy materials like concrete, you’ll need a dumpster that can handle this increased weight load (like a commercial roll-off dumpster). Similarly, if you have a lot of recycling material, you will need a specific container for it.
When thinking about the scope of your project, you should consider things like how much waste you’ll need to get rid of, the specific type of waste, and how long you’ll need the dumpster rental.
Select the Dumpster Size
Once you define the scope of your project, you can select the right dumpster size for your needs. Most of the dumpster sizes you’ll find will be between ten to forty cubic yards.
For small remodels, we generally recommend a modest ten to fifteen cubic yard dumpster for small projects. This might include a cleanout of single-room renovation on your property.
For medium-sized projects, you should up the size to fifteen to twenty cubic yards. This is appropriate for general construction, landscaping, and whole-house cleanouts.
If you’re working on demolition projects or renovations that encompass the entire property, you should go with a large dumpster. This might be between twenty-five to thirty cubic yards.
In some cases, it might be smarter to rent two small or medium dumpsters instead of one big one. If you still aren’t sure what dumpster size you need, we recommend you call the company you’re thinking of working with.
Here at Freedom Waste Services, we offer a variety of different dumpster sizes. We’re more than happy to talk it through with you so you’re sure you have the right size for your project.
Get a Quote
Next, you’ll want to get a quote from the dumpster rental company. That way, you can accurately factor in the costs of renting a dumpster into your budget. Keep in mind that the less information you’re able to provide, the vaguer the estimate will be.
As such, you should make sure that you gather as much information as you can to get an accurate quote for dumpster prices. This should include the delivery location, the type of debris, the amount of debris, how long you’ll need to dumpster, and any other unique requirements.
Dumpster companies will typically either use variable or all-inclusive pricing. Regardless of which model you use, the rental company needs to stand by its quote. If they keep trying to raise the price on you, then go with a different company.
Read the Fine Print
It’s important to fully read the contract that you have with the rental company before ordering a dumpster. For example, many dumpster rental companies prohibit you from dumping hazardous waste in the containers.
If you are dealing with hazardous waste, you’ll need to follow the disposal guidelines put out by the EPA. Similarly, many dumpster rental companies require you to get your permits from the government to set up your dumpster.
If you plan on setting the dumpster up on private property, this usually isn’t a problem. However, if you plan on setting it up on the street, you’ll likely need a permit from your local government.
Lastly, make sure that the quote in the contract is what you agreed to. If everything looks in order, you can go ahead and sign it.
Organize a Delivery Location
A day or two before the rental delivery, you should make sure that you have a good location for the dumpster. Ideally, you want something that’s both flat and smooth.
However, it should also be a convenient location from the job site. If you aren’t sure where to put the dumpster, contact the rental company. They can scout the area beforehand and help you find the most ideal spot for your specific location.
Ready to Make Dumpster Rental Easy? Contact Freedom Waste Services
We hope this guide helped you learn more about the dumpster rental process. Here at Freedom Waste Services, we have over two decades of experience under our belt in the waste industry.
During that time, we’ve learned how to set our dumpster rentals apart with timely deliveries, competitive pricing, and courteous customer service. So if you’re ready to make the dumpster rental process easy, get a quote with us today.
