If you are dealing with a large amount of waste that includes a mixture of items, such as construction waste, yard debris or multiple pieces of unwanted furniture and appliances, renting a dumpster is your best bet.

Most of us find the need to rent a dumpster on rare occasions – when we purging our homes before a move, home renovations and large yard projects where you are removing shrubs, trees, play equipment or hardscapes. It can be a bit confusing if you are not familiar with how to rent a dumpster.

Determining the type and size of dumpster rental you will need will hinge on the size and scope of your particular project. Dumpsters come in a variety of sizes measured in yards. Selecting a dumpster that is too large for your needs will cost more than necessary. While, choosing a dumpster that is too small will require additional hauls and delivery.

If you are like most non-commercial dumpster renters – wondering where to begin? Check out these

5 Dumpster Rental Tips:

1. It is the Size that Counts!

The first thing you need to do before renting a dumpster is to determine what size you’ll need. One of the biggest mistakes people make is ordering the wrong size. As I shared before, the 20 yard dumpster I rented for cleanout was way too big for my purposes.   Paying for a dumpster that is only half filled makes no sense.

Most dumpster rental companies offer a variety of dumpster sizes:

• 10 yard dumpsters are good for those small remodeling projects or medium sized cleanouts such as a deck under 300 square feet or shingle roof removal under 1,500 square feet. They hold 10 cubic yards of material which translates into around 3 pickup trucks full of debris.
• 20 yard dumpsters are for those medium sized remodeling projects or for major cleanouts such as carpet removal for a large home, shingle roof removal over 1,500 square feet or deck removal over 300 square feet. They hold 20 cubic yards of material which translates into around 6 pickup trucks full of debris.
• 30 yard dumpsters are generally used more for commercial purposes or for a major home addition or new construction. They hold 30 cubic yards of material which translates into around 9 pickup trucks full of debris.
• 40 yard dumpsters are also usually more for commercial or industrial purposes, however if you are doing a complete window or siding replacement, this might just be the size for you. They hold 40 cubic yards of material which translates into around 12 pickup trucks full of debris.

2. What is the Nature of Your Trash?

Another consideration is the type of waste you will be generating. Many dumpster companies don’t allow a mixture of materials. For examples gravel and fill most likely cannot be combined with other materials. Also, depending on what you will be dumping, the weight just might be a factor. Heavier items will cost more to dump. The best way to determine your cost would be to consult with the dumpster company as to the exact nature of materials you will be disposing.

3. Know What Not to Dump!

It is against the law to dispose of hazardous waste. Hazardous wastes include chemical products, oil filters, herbicides & pesticides, radioactive material, solvents, paint (except completely dried latex paint cans, no liquids), other flammable liquids, partially filled aerosol cans, propane tanks, motor oil, transmission oil/lubricating/hydraulic oil/, contaminated oils (mixed with solvents, gasoline, etc.), antifreeze, refrigerators, petroleum contaminated soil/lead paint chips, tires, batteries, fluorescent tubes, railroad ties, medical waste, asbestos, dead animals, sealed barrels or cylinders, and all liquids.

4. Don’t Do ‘One-Stop’ … Comparison Shop!

Renting a dumpster can be a big expense and prices can greatly vary from one supplier to the next, so do your homework and get at least two quotes from dumpster rental companies. It’s wise to inquire about added expenses such as; overage charges, tipping fees, late fees and fuel surcharges, so that you can have a true comparison.

5. Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate!

I can’t emphasize enough the importance of negotiating the price. Commercial contractors do it all the time, why shouldn’t you? Also, don’t be too embarrassed to ask about special discount pricing. Some dumpster rental companies offer discounts of 10% or more to military personnel, seniors, veterans or members of certain organizations. More than likely you won’t hear about them unless you ask!

Life is complicated enough … so I simplified.

There you have it, 5 very basic steps to take when renting a dumpster. Obviously there is a lot more that you can learn about renting a dumpster, and I was able to find a ton of material and suggestions. But to be honest, unless you rent dumpsters on a regular basis (and if you do, you already know all you need to) this guide should work for you.

Waste Masters Solutions is a reliable provider of top-of-the-line commercial waste and recycling solutions to businesses all around the Tri-State area, serving Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We are proud waste solution partners with the Philadelphia Eagles and Dover International Speedway.

We are large enough to service your needs and small enough to care!

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